The truth of progress and our self-deception
It is a bitter reality that as a nation, we often cling to hopes that are not grounded in reality. These days, we are led to believe that as soon as the Middle East issue is resolved, Pakistan will reach new heights of development, wealth will flow abundantly, and the economy will instantly stabilize. Before that, we were told that the completion of CPEC would bring a flood of prosperity. Even earlier, Thar’s coal, Chiniot’s steel, and other mega-projects were presented as game-changers that would alter our destiny. But time has proven that mere announcements and expectations do not change the fate of nations.
The real problem is that we have ignored the fundamental principles of progress. No nation in the world develops by relying solely on hopes, external projects, or temporary opportunities. Progress is a continuous process built on a strong economy, productive capacity, and a robust industrial framework. Until we promote our own industry, boost exports, and skill our workforce, we will continue to chase a new dream every few years without ever achieving sustainable growth.
Today, the situation is such that a payment of two billion dollars becomes a major crisis for us. For a country with a population of 250 million, this amount should not have been overwhelming, yet we are forced to borrow it from other nations. This is not merely an economic weakness but a symptom of failed priorities. We increased consumption while ignoring production. We relied on imports while failing to take exports seriously.
There are many countries in the world that have emerged from the most difficult circumstances and strengthened themselves. China is a prominent example, where the state’s entire focus has remained on development, industry, and production. Every policy, every decision, and every project there revolves around a single objective: how to make the nation stronger. Similarly, Germany and Japan rebuilt their industrial infrastructure after the devastation of war and today rank among the world’s largest economies.
We must understand that nations advance not through slogans but through clarity of direction. Until we face reality, acknowledge our weaknesses, and adopt a clear economic strategy, every new project will bring fresh hope but yield the same old results.
The time has come for us as a nation to move beyond these illusions. We must redirect our focus toward what we can produce, what we can offer the world, and how we can make our economy self-reliant. We must follow the same path that developed nations have taken—making industry the foundation, making education practical, and making hard work part of our national character. This is the only path that can lead us from temporary slogans to sustainable progress. And if we do not make this decision now, we will spend many more years waiting for yet another new hope.
