AS a Canadian of Pakistani origin I am reassured and overjoyed on reading the letter, ‘Politics and economic development’ (Dec 3, 2011) by Malik Tariq Ali. He has aptly quoted the Quaid-i-Azam regarding the importance of agriculture and industrial development in the economic progress of the country.

Although it is unfortunate that we lost his charismatic and visionary leader soon after Pakistan’s creation, it is unproductive and meaningless to regret the lack of leadership, at this stage. We must, however, count our blessings.

Pakistan is a country of 180 million people with rich mineral and water resources. They need to be fully exploited.

We have a democratic structure with a hardworking populace. Also, Pakistan is strategically placed and is the only Muslim country with nuclear capabilities.

It is at this crucial stage that Pakistanis, both inside and outside the country, including overseas Pakistanis like myself, must work hard and with determination to pull the ship of the country out of the doldrums.

In order to do this we need to further strengthen Pakistan’s democratic structure and help in reinforcing economic, social and cultural foundations of the country.

It is also important that we make conscious efforts to separate our religious beliefs from the matter of state governance.

A PakistaniCanada