RECENT ECONOMIC ISSUES OF PAKISTAN AND THE WAY FORWARD

Introduction
1. Pakistan’s economy has seemingly been in a critical situation since it came into being in the
year 1947. Then, it was deemed because of the lack of funds from the British and not having the
required portfolio fulfilled. As the years passed on, exchange rate steadiness and demand for raw
agricultural products abroad in the early 1950s helped to increase the total size of the economy, from
then onwards we were an agricultural economy, as more share of our total production came from the
agriculture sector. Later; financial plans, five-year plans, and others were built to enhance our
productivity and the share of the manufacturing sector in the total gain. Privatization was introduced
and emphasized upon in the 60s and focus was given to both agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
That era has been known as the golden era for our economy and the country.
2. The 1970s saw an emphasis on nationalization and building a hold of the government overall
sectors, agriculture, manufacturing and services. Those were the times when the agriculture sector
comprised over 50 percent of our total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - which is why we were known
as an agricultural economy; the share of agriculture is now merely 18.5 percent. Since 80s, there have
been distortions in the actual policies for development and growth. Circumstances in our neighboring
countries being one of the many reasons for the deformations, ignition of war in Afghanistan, the
revolution in Iran and afresh dispute with India over its atrocity in 1971. Seemingly, these occurrences
shouldn't have de-pathed us, but when it comes to the economy, security inside and around the country
needs to be at least balanced if not heavenly. Deals with the United States of America (USA) from the
early 50s, even till now, have been shaky. The decades of the 80s and 90s saw the full of it, full
support coming in the 80s and confusions and retreats from the deals in the 90s. It has been quite a
while now since Pakistan's economy is indebted and played against ups and downs. Causes stretching
from formulation of policy to its execution and general reasons, and above all, bad governance,
monotonous approach to structural reforms, shrinking Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and severally
tangled domestic issues. Desertion of policies causes unassailable harm.
3. Spending more while earning less has hardly yielded any desirable results over the course of
time. There has been an evident difference in the exact amount needed to path all systems and affairs
of the state and the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Therefore, every government has tried
to link this gap by taking further loans, while skill enhancement, utilization of resources to foster
earnings and cutting impractical expenditures have been missing. Our economy has been going
through a bizarre discrepancy in the current account balance, mainly imports and exports. Pakistan's
reliance on the US for technology, advanced weapons, machines, and surgical instruments has
mounted the overall cost and has become compliance and liability on the economy4. What is also

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missing in our economy is a single support system for the entrepreneurs trying to emerge in the
markets. The US passed a law supporting their entrepreneurs, long ago, for if they were threatened of
going bankrupt in the long-run of business and innovation. US economy brief magazine's economic
philosopher says, "The US has given their people the freedom to fail and grow again". This is the
main reason behind their growing business start-ups, innovative products, and technological
advancements.
4. This paper aims to distinguish between the problems faced by Pakistan's economy with respect
to the countries on the similar stage of development, elements causing these problems abroad and
within our state now and over the passage of time; and will try to portray measures needed to be taken
to tackle these issues in order to move forward progressively. In the following lines, we discuss the
current situation of the sectors that incorporate our GDP, agriculture, manufacturing, and services
sectors. Further, we discuss other prominent issues posing as hindrances in our state of the economy.
In the last section of the paper, we will try to present implementable solutions to the problems and
provide a way forward for the economy.

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Issues

5. Sectors incorporating Gross Domestic Product (GDP) . Frail domestic industry, services,
and technological abnormality have been damaging to Pakistan's economy. Workers and small industry
owners are fearful of the Chinese products over flooding into the markets throughout the country.
OASIS, a nonprofit organization supporting the domestic industry, recently conducted a survey and
analyzed that the dread of getting worse was shown by domestic industry proprietors and workers;
moreover, criticism on government and large-scale manufacturers timelines over their lack of viable
steps taken for maneuvering the over-flooding of foreign goods. Though it is hardly tolerated when the
government or big firms try to maneuver the markets unless it comes to foreign products sweeping the
domestic markets.
6. Let us take note of the problems that have been hindering the growth of the three sectors that
incorporate our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and other issues that have been signed for low growth.
7. Agriculture. The agriculture sector used to be the backbone of our economy - encompassing
the largest share, above 50 percent, when GDP was calculated. Severely decelerated agricultural
production is an impediment to the economy which also lacks livestock and industrial grounds. Almost
a century-old technique of hoarding is practiced when it comes to catering livestock. Lack of hospitals
and good doctors in big cities and ever district for livestock causes most of them to suffer and even die
of minute diseases which reasons heavy loss. A professional level of hoarding is yet to be introduced.
Due to numerous causes, the per acre yield in Pakistan is very low as compared to other countries.
Further problems associated with the downfall of the agriculture sector are: -
a. Water deficiency and drought conditions
b. Long duration load shedding
c. Absence of land reforms and non-utilization of cultivable wasteland
d. Poor extension services and conventional farming practices
e. Absence of certified varieties and ecological-based cropping pattern
f. The high price of fertilizers, deliberate use of adulterated and usage of no recommended and
expired insecticides
g. Indirect access of farmer to main market and smuggling of agricultural inputs and outputs
h. Lack of cooperation between agricultural research, education & extension services
i. Absence of crop insurance and depletion of forests
j. Lack of modern post-harvest technologies and
k. Disease outbreaks of poultry birds

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8. These are some of the crucial issues that play in the demotion of the agricultural sector in
Pakistan. Currently, task forces have been brought in place to take these issues and special attention is
being given to the issues that have been hindering the sector that once used to be running our economy.
9. Manufacturing. A widely known theory in economics is that if the currency is depreciated,
the exports will rise - resulting in the betterment of the current account balance of the economy.
Ideally, as most economic theories are based on assumptions of idealistic state of affairs; this theory
should work, However, in Pakistan's case, since December 2017, the rupee has been depreciated
almost 48 percent and yet the rise in exports in the same period has been around a mere percent. Even
if the rupee is depreciated by another 30 percent, there would not be any substantial increase in
exports. The manufacturing base used in the industry is depleted and obsolete. There lies no
competitiveness and we are technologically deficient which is why we are unable to produce cheaply.
The value chains, logistics infrastructure, and supply chain are inefficient and broken. For the last two
decades, our share in global exports has been falling continuously - manufactured goods' share in the
exports is falling more rapidly. The mounting cost of imported objects, amusingly, has created
prospects in many sectors for the substitution of imports. But new manufacturing abilities and
sustained investment are required to capitalize on these opportunities for exports and import
substitutions. There is a desperate need for new investment in up-gradation, modernization,
technology, value-chain and scale which would, in turn, also create jobs.
10. Nonetheless, if daring entrepreneurs consider making new investments, there stands an issue of
where the finances would come from. The ceaseless government borrowing from the commercial
banks and the high yields on Pakistan Investment Bonds have, altogether, swayed out the all-important
private sector borrowings. Over the passage of time, most banks have reduced lending to new clients,
drastically decreasing long-term credit to medium and large-scale businesses and even sinking limits
for existing borrowers. Clearly, if there are chances of lending risk-free to the government at such
appealing yields, why would banks make riskier lending to the private sector?
11. Services. Holding the largest share of the GDP of Pakistan, one would assume that the
services sector would have lesser issues than the rest. On the contrary, the greatest number of problems
lie in the said sector. The energy crisis, over the past decades, has been the main factor in hampering
the services sector of the economy. Other factors accompanying this hindrance are technological
backwardness and, of course, no sustainable governance. Machines used in the factories around the
country have witnessed many tragedies over time. Engines and boilers causing fatal causalities have
widely been published - evident from the Baldia Factory Karachi's incident of 2012 - and they have
been no less than a nightmare for the labor class in Pakistan. Foreigners have been reluctant to invest
their portfolio because of the unfavorable conditions and prolong procedures of entrepreneurship in

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Pakistan as compared to our neighboring South Asian countries, this, in turn, has affected our Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) numbers over decades. Moreover, the shortage of water - restraining the
investors from staying in one place - makes them suffer and consequently, the business is abandoned
and arises the overall economic loss.
Other Issues
12. Along with the issues hindering our per capita growth - derived from the GDP there are other
non-neglect able concerns in the economy. The unpredictable political system, bigots and extremists
blocking main roads and interchanges, wild unruly dharna' s cause great loss in the stock exchange and
overall image of the economy. Theses stunts hardly send any good message to the world about the
strength of our economy. Other than these, there has been another challenge and reason for economic-
meltdown in the form of a ritual of 'abandoning the economic policy in mid' as was done with the
"Strategic Policy Framework 2015-18", Economic policy has not been given its due courtesy despite it
being referred to as the backbone of the economy. This is also because a detailed study of failed and
successful policies has not been done before formulating new comprehensive policies. Pre-planning,
the in-depth systematic and structural process has hardly been on show in the economic sphere of
Pakistan. Continuous criticism of the stakeholders and their reservations for the economic policy create
a lack of confidence and an uncertain environment, whereas, the basic requirement for any policy to be
implemented and seen as a success is the confidence and team-work of all the stakeholders. Otherwise,
the economic loses its reliability and creates uncertainty. Notably, because of the lack of consensus and
multi-stage approval of economic policies, it becomes easy to raise questions. Before introducing a
policy, the commerce ministry takes all stakeholders, chambers, research institutions, academia,
business bodies, federal and provincial agencies and ministries together; yet excessive dominance and
the veto power of the finance minister exist.
13. Selection criteria in the domain of the government level allocation for top-ranked services,
which is of ample importance, has been painful for many. Recruitment from abroad has always been
resented. Those recruited from outside remain doubtful in the eyes of their subordinates and experience
non-cooperation. On the other hand, we see India attracting top-ranking international economists from
external Indian economic service. Furthermore, intra-service rivalries create an obstruction in
performances. There is hardly seen any capacity building training of the young economists by the
ministry of commerce and trade or by the finance ministry. In absence of steps such as skills
upgradation, prevention from lapsing into lethargy, cynicism, and dishonesty, the youngsters get
disappointed and even leave, whereas, others remain dormant.
14. There are a few general causes that affect the economy sternly and hinder progress on
economic grounds. The economy becomes a victim when there is mismanagement and over that, the

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explosion of population. Pakistan is one of the countries where nonrenewable gas is used in vehicles.
This gas is otherwise used in running engines, industries and the wheel of progression. Pakistan not
only has the potential but resources as well to compete in the international market after covering the
major issues the country faces. We have the fourth largest coal reserves of the world and a thousand-
kilometer-long ideal coastal line of Sindh and Balochistan, enriched land, culture, and tourism. With
proper management; the youth bulge, which comprises more than 60 percent of the population, can be
an asset rather than a liability.
15. The concentration of wealth, both at the national and international levels, harms the economy
gravely. According to a recent report of Oxfam, only one percent of people holds more than 50 percent
of wealth which leaves negative effects on the political and socio-economic situations. More than a
hefty 600 billion dollars of Pakistan is stockpiled in foreign tax-free safe havens and foreign banks.
Moreover, the one percent comprises: mostly from the builder mafia, possess industries, evade taxes
and own a huge number of stock exchange. They tend to procure disproportionate economic and
political power that becomes skewed in support of that small wealthy group. The group has a crinkle
finger in all economic issues because they tend to mold economic upsurge in their favor.
16. Loopholes, when it comes to governance, are widely seen. Lawlessness, bad governance, rising
population, and poverty linger to raise stark issues to the economy. These are those few pre-requisite
sureties required for investing money somehow; and if these remain as blurred as they are, the
economy will continue to suffer. The economy of Pakistan has been in a dilapidated condition and
there is a dire need for essential and efficient steps to be taken on warlike bases.
The Past Year
17. Over the past 15 months of the new government, there have been steps that one could only
imagine would occur in the sphere of Pakistan's economy. Let's recall the situation of the economy that
was presented to the current government. Finance Ministry served a vile economy on a stretcher in the
trauma room to, this government's first finance minister who had the unenviable duty of giving
chemotherapy to a metastasizing cancer of current and fiscal account deficits tearing through the
economy. Chemotherapy being an extremely incapacitating medicine - one would get sicker, start
vomiting and even loose hair. Some would prefer remaining sick rather than using the medicine, but if
the patient has a healthy diagnosis, the priority of the doctor would be to save the patient's life - no
matter the painfulness of the treatment. With a homemade reform process (against the one done by the
IMF) the finance minister sought to do exactly that. Being the annoyed patient, we misidentified the
incapacitating medicine as the enemy versus the real disease (a sick economy). Things got bad, so bad
that we changed the doctor in mid-treatment but not the healing journey itself. And now the outcomes
of that chemotherapy are starting to show in the melodramatic upswing of macroeconomic indicators.

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18. Unlike the previous administration who sought to keep the value of rupee fixed, policy known
as the fixed exchange rate policy - a praise able step of the new government is the pledge of keeping
the real value of the rupee through a mixed exchange rate policy where a combination of fixed and
market-based value of exchange rate is followed. This creates a downfall in the import-dependent
businesses. Though the process is painful, it will oblige the businessmen to get into productive sectors
of the economy in the long run. Market incentives have their own way of working. Another
appraisable step towards transformation is of the taxes. Our economy has been unhealthy because of
our revenues not meeting out expenses forcing us to keep borrowing and getting further trapped in
debts. The main reason for this has been a lack of political will to going after people other than the
salaried class. Now, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is going after real estate transactions,
wholesalers and retailers. This would force people to invest in productive businesses rather than
speculatively parking their money in real estate. The step is imminent for raising the tax base and
enhancing the tax to GDP ratio.
19. Austerity measures are taken by the Prime Minister himself residing at his home rather than
the PM House - and the cabinet has shown commitment to bringing down the exceeding expenses of
the government. No increase in the funds for defense has shown a supporting character of the armed
forces to the measure taken by the elected government. There has been a slight increase in the funds
released under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), which is commendable despite the
mounting fiscal deficit. Simultaneously, the fiscal deficit the difference between expenditures and
incomes of the federal government - dropped by 36 percent in the first quarter of the on-going fiscal
year as revenue improved and expenditure-cuts took root.
20. In a recent comment, the IMF's Middle East and Central Asia Region Director Jihad Azour
said that the agenda for reform currently engaged in Pakistan is the right process to enhance
macroeconomic stability. This would address many of the imbalances the country has seen in the past
few years and would allow the economy to improve its creditworthiness and to become further
competitive. The agenda will also help the country by accelerating growth and providing the correct
framework for the private sector to function. The two fundamental tracks of the reform agenda are (a)
macro stabilization for which steps have been taken by the State Bank Pakistan on the monetary and
financial side and on the fiscal side by the finance ministry - and (b) structural reforms - which will
help the economy to get more competitive.
21. A fresh report shows a record increase of 111.5 percent in foreign direct investment and a 194
percent hike in foreign private investment during the past one year. The enormous increase in
investments reflects the trust of foreign investors in the current government's economic policies. In the
first quarter of the current fiscal year, the current account deficit has shown a decline of a gigantic 64

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percent, from $4.3 billion to $1.5 billion over the same period last year. Exchange rate policy bringing
about a decline of 21 percent in imports. Special attention is being given to alleviate poverty under the
Ehsaas Programme - in which various short - and medium - term loans will be granted to the youth of
this country to produce more entrepreneurs. A huge number of loans are, now, given to the agriculture
sector's farmers and workers. Attention is diverted from the long-standing wealthy ruling class of the
country to the low -earning women in the rural areas - various loans are and will be given to the
women to increase their share in the production of the country.
Solutions and Way Forward
22. Pakistan's economy is faced with all these problems because of some major areas that need to
be worked on immediately one of which is general causes that drag economy, and another is the
lackluster approach in economic policy invention, execution and monitoring. One must start with the
foremost structural reforms in economic staff and economic policy. According to Ishrat Hussain,
former governor State Bank Pakistan, "Extending from the selection criteria i.e clerks of BPS-9 to
Economic Advisor and even Finance Minister must be translucent and open recruitment within the
cadre of FPSC or neutral third-party selection without any ambiguity." Weakly skilled and acquired
will perform weakly, so putting up a good battalion will surely yield positive results.
23. No one person should have the 'veto power' on rejecting or accepting an economic policy, but
rather it should be a multi-stage approval, decentralize sectoral-policymaking ministers, and finance
commission accountable. Taking all stake-holders from chambers, business bodies, academia,
research institutions, federal and provincial ministries, and agencies - and after an extensive
discussion, it is sent to the council of common interest, cabinet, and the national economic council.
This course of action would lessen the reservations on policy implementation and economic matters.
To have an in-depth day to day checking, there must be matrices arranged that would clearly sketch
the responsibilities (and accountabilities) of various executing agencies' key performance-indicators
with timelines and milestones. All concerned ministers would monitor, review and submit annual
reports to the cabinet, the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Parliament and unresolved
affairs to the Prime Minister. Expectantly, this would minimize the breach between poor execution
and well-intentioned executive policies.
24. Moreover, think tanks' insights, their interest and international exposure of the world's
effective policies would ensure coherence and consistency in economic policies. It would be further
applauded if their policy work is shared on an official website and recommendations are considered
from there. This will make all-inclusive and sound economic policy. After the main structural reforms
and policy formulation and renovation, there is dire need to tighten the grip on the execution of such
reforms. Identical system: where corrupt politicians, tax-evaders, builder-mafia, bureaucrats, all-

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powerful institutions, and the elite never go tax-free. Escalating fuel prices and eliminating subsidies
on edibles erupt inflation and chaos. National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Federal Board of
Revenue (FBR), Income Tax department and other related agencies must be more watchful and active
in increasing tax to GDP ratio.
25. This is not an easy task to execute. There are vested interests of the powerful class, yet through
court-intervention and composed efforts, this can be done. There should be exclusive economic zones
for businesses, and investors with 24/7 energy and security with investor-friendly policies,
inducements, and subsidies given to them to boost overall investment in the economy. Skill training
and enhancement programs like Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority
(STEVTA), where the youth learn and work in development and evolution, need to be started on the
warlike basis. Otherwise, they might fall prey to the overly employed mechanics of extremism - as
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), in a recent event, himself expressed concerns on the terrorists
targeting the youth.
26. Three decades ago, China took some exceptional steps to control the increasing population of
their country and then to enhance the skills of those already born. Now, China can question the might
of the world' s superpower - the United States of America. Pakistan needs to adopt many, if not all, of
China' s economic policy steps in dealing with the population. Policies regarding supporting
entrepreneurs need to be worked out on an immediate basis. Old product designs and backwardness in
technology with next to none innovations compel our industries to buy abroad and sell domestically.
Other than these, putting a rule on groups and market forces that threatens the economy or creates
topsy-turvy situations and chaos is abruptly needed, Furthermore, as women make more than half of
the population of our country, gender inclusive policies - bringing equality and equity in the
workforce can yield marvelous results.
27. Pakistan's risk matrix, for both foreign and domestic investors, has been altered permanently
due to the economic events of the last year. More than 30 percent decline in rupee value and an
increase of more than 100 percent in interest rates in a period of only 12 months, have stunned the
investors and lastingly reinforced the acuity that this is an unstable and unpredictable economy -
where apparently incredible economic scenarios are possible. Instead of singularly focusing all efforts
on keeping the policy rate elevated to draw institutional portfolio investment and with a perception of
risk, amidst uncertainty and instability and a looming recession, the State Bank of Pakistan ought to
signal an expansionary monetary policy - stimulating domestic demand and easing long-term
investments. Otherwise, the economy will be forced to be pushed into a long cycle of inflation, deep
recession, and high unemployment.

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Corruption free and stable government is an overt secret of a strong economy. The sustainable
democratic system, with investor-friendly incentives and policies, fortify the economy and invite
investment from abroad. China has, around three decades ago, adopted the same path of direction.
28. In Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a special emphasis has been given to the private
sector involvement in the development field. Private business commotion, investment, and innovation
are key drivers of productivity, job creation, and inclusive economic growth. The involvement of the
private sector helps to mitigate the risk of industries and environmental hazards. It surges corporate
understanding on matters of economic equality, climate change and their part in social development
(Jadoon 2019). It also assists governments in raising financing for socio-economic development
activities. Furthermore, it encourages economic development and growth through public-private
partnerships. The private sector has a crucial role in economic development and economic growth, but
it requires government support in structuring an effective policy that aids in boosting a business
environment. This way, the benefits of private sector growth reaches the citizens. This sector is the
engine of growth, reducing inequality, fostering innovations, creating jobs, paying taxes, and building
infrastructure. In Pakistan, the private sector has actively played its part in community development.
Its contribution has increased 33 times since 2000, but this contribution can be further improved and
promoted through enhanced policy actions. Investors from all over the world must be perceived as an
insignia of investment and prosperity rather than suspicion. Foreign markets, even that of India's, needs
to be realized as having economic prism and lens rather than putting up a rivalry against. They bring in
business and employment for the youth which might, otherwise, be prey to unethical activities and
terrorism.
29. There is absenteeism of the provincial economic counseling cell. The said cell needs to be
headed by a high-ranked professional expert, and subordinates selected on merit and transparent
recruitment will bear fruitful counsels to and help maintain harmony amid both provincial and federal
governing bodies.
30. Though the new government has taken measures for removal of subsidies on petroleum
products and put restriction on imported non-essential items, the country needs an immediate political
consensus on a charter of the economy backed by the establishment to avoid an economic meltdown.
Difficult decisions are needed over the next few months to stop the hemorrhage owing to overspending
and over-importing.
a. First of all, Pakistan needs to restart IMF funding by implementing economic reforms in order to
restore its credibility in the markets, along with continuation of CPEC financing.
b. Reforms to reduce high trade and current account deficits would require major cutbacks in
expenditures and imports, but without adversely impacting the cost of living of low-income

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 families whose lives have become miserable due to persistently high inflation over the last few
years.
c. The government’s economic reform programme must include reduction in fiscal and current
account deficits by half over the next one year by reducing fiscal deficit by Rs2,000 billion and
non-essential imports by $10 billion consumed by the rich elite.
d. Import reduction must be achieved in the first three months to avoid an economic collapse and
stop free fall of Pak rupee against US dollar.
e. This is essential for the belt-tightening of upper-income households, to send a signal that poor are
not made victim of the economic mismanagement caused by the previous government. The
economic reform programme must encompass the following measures:
1) First, through tax and credit policies, we must restrict growth of highly import-dependent
industries (cars, luxury goods, electronics, etc) producing for the domestic market.
2) Second, declaring all exporting industries as tax-free manufacturing units, and ensuring to
provide them all utilities at regionally competitive prices and subsidised credit. Bangladesh
has increased its exports to $45 billion through this way.
3) Third, providing Rs800 billion of targeted subsidies as cash grant to 30 million poor and
vulnerable families through BISP registry system to compensate for the rise in electricity,
petroleum and food prices. Once targeted subsidies are in place, market prices of these goods
can be increased through higher tax rates and import duties, which would provide revenue for
offering targeted subsidies to the poor and vulnerable groups.
4) Fourth, the non-development government expenditures must be reduced by Rs1,000 billion
through cutting waste in civil and military institutions, cutting development expenditure and
reducing throw-forward except for dams and water management, privatizing the loss-making
SOEs and reducing untargeted subsidies.
5) Fifth, there is a need to impose a tax to raise Rs1,000 billion to reduce public debt. This tax
can be imposed on: (i) all assets (vehicles, agriculture land, urban real estate, and PSX shares)
of individuals who own assets of more than Rs5 crore; and (ii) capital gains on real estate and
shares, and profits of large companies. This is a sacrifice that should be given by the rich elite
to save the country.
6) Sixth, reduce lending and deposit interest rates by 5% by reducing discount rate to 8%. This
will reduce the cost of borrowing for the firms and accelerate the GDP growth and
employment. Low-income pensioners and widows can be given protection of income through
higher rates on national savings instruments. The target should be to save around Rs700
billion annually on interest expenses on domestic public debt.

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 7) Finally, the country should impose a one-year embargo on all imported cars, cellphones, non-
essential food and all manufactured home-use goods with the objective to reduce imports by
$8-10 billion next year, which would reduce current account deficit, strengthen domestic
currency against US dollar and accelerate growth and employment opportunities.
Conclusion
31. To conclude, the gap between expectations and the actual economic performance can be
explained by a number of factors but the constraint imposed by global environment including the
conditionalities of IMF, the inability of our key economic institutions in implementing policies and
unanticipated external developments are the principal factors. This does not mean that we would like to
absolve ourselves of the mistakes we have made or you should ignore the shortcomings in our decision
making. But it can be assured that if this has happened it is purely unintentional because our
commitment and dedication to turn things around for the betterment of the country is as strong and
fierce as anyone else's.

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