IN many developed countries, in general, and the US, in particular, linkages between the government and university academics are quite strong. All leaders include members of the academia in their team.

The advantages the specialists of various fields bring to the government is that of a structural understanding of an issue, which falls in their area of specialty and a certain level of scientific objectivity which the career politicians sometimes lack.

The major challenges faced by Pakistan are religious extremism, dwindling economy and energy problems. I believe professors of repute can provide input in trying to tackle all these issues.

The only caveat has to be that the academics should be selected on the basis of eminence in their respective fields, and once they are there, the scholars must be allowed to give their independent point of view.

It would be of course up to the political leadership, headed by the prime minister, as to how he wants to put these recommendations to use.

A.J.M. Islamabad