sharp contrast to their counterparts among privately owned and privately run institutions. The link between access to basic services for the public and the economy must become central to Pakistan’s future. For years, successive governments have principally relied upon statistical evidence to lay claim to real or imaginary success. Yet, in the process, many have simply ignored the importance of the economy of a country being qualitatively different from that of a company. Unlike the balance sheet of a corporate entity, the balance sheet of a state must be built upon factors including reaching out to support areas on the periphery. Unless the ruling structure successfully reaches out toa range of stakeholders to meet their fundamental needs, Pakistan runs the risk of any future economic upturn remaining far from sustainable. It is the choice of ignoring this fundamentally vital character of a state and its obligations that together create the risk of ignoring key areas of responsibility. Going forward, decision-makers like Tarin or Bagir may well oversee a success story or two surrounding their areas of responsibility. But can Pakistan turn the corner