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Keeping democratic institutions strong

Pakistan has faced major challenges in its
socioeconomic situation over past seventy years.
However, not all problems have been overcome. The key
problems of today include: water scarcity; the lack of
sustainable development projects; an increasingly
unemployed youth population; the lack of focus on
human development projects; a continuous reduction in
the foreign exchange reserves; the increase in non-
developmental expenditures; the increase in public debt;
the unequal distribution of wealth; the rising deprivation
in Baluchistan, interior Sindh, and Southern Punjab;
unpleasant relations in the region, especially with the
eastern and western neighbours; the poor condition of
small and medium enterprises (SMEs); and the failure to
effectively implement the local bodies system, which is
considered the basis for democracy.

One of the major issues the country is facing is a

shortage of water. According to research by the
American University, Pakistan is among the top ten
countries in the world which are suffering from a water
crisis. Handling this water crisis will not be easy. It is
necessary that work on the Kalabagh and Diamer-Basha
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Dams be completed at the earliest possible opportunity.