Strategic imprudence means a mindset which is confused, retrogressive, unwise and hollow. When a nation is strategically prudent in framing its economy, governance, rule of law, political discourse and mode of development, it is bound to succeed. China, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia are the examples where the leadership within a span of five decades pulled off miracles, transforming their countries from poor, under-developed and illiterate to prosperous and modern.

The Gulf countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia which till 1960s were under-developed with poor infrastructure and weak economy are now known for a better quality of life of their people and high per capita income, GDP and economic growth rate.

In early 1970s when Pakistan had experienced the trauma of its disintegration in December 1971, it was quoted for having a world class airline, a respected passport, high economic growth rate and growing industrialisation. But, the erosion of strategic prudence on the part of its leadership led to the surge of corruption, nepotism, extremism, violence and terrorism. Due to this lack of strategic prudence, ruling elites failed to control surging population and prevent food, fuel, water and economic crises. When the absence of strategic planning created a situation in which more than 40% of the population lives below the poverty line and 22 million children are out of school, Pakistan is categorised as a fragile state.

The recent flood in Pakistan which devastated its agriculture and uprooted millions of people is not a new phenomenon. Melting of glaciers and........

© The Express Tribune