PERHAPS the greatest loss comes in the area of education. Whether or not this is a direct result of Pakistan’s economic problems, it is undoubtedly connected.

With so many resources directed towards the aforementioned debt payment, educational improvement is given an inordinately low priority.

In terms of population, low literacy rates are often observed with high population growth. A poorly educated population is unlikely to participate in family planning or any other form of population control.

Secondarily, a poorly educated populace makes Pakistan a poor choice for foreign investors.

Furthermore, the extremely low literacy rate among our womenfolk (24.4 per cent) lends itself to a society where most women never enter the labour force.

KASHIF MUSHTAQ Karachi