There are clear lessons to be learned from our national experience with alignments and misalignments in this era of dramatic emergent reality. This becomes a significant concern while considering the vicious boom-and-bust cycle in Pakistani history. We associate the phrase 'boom and bust cycle' with economic performance, which, to a large extent, is true. But the story is the same in every walk of life. This becomes particularly evident when we observe the dramatic changes in direction that have occurred in every decade of our national existence. Every now and then, we change direction and want a fresh start, a clean break from the past. This usually results in bedlam. Ask yourself how many times momentary spikes have led to great expectations which ended up in the same age-old rut?

This historical pattern also informs our scepticism bordering on cynicism, even when we see solid results with our own eyes. I do not rule out foul play on the part of the enemy. It is an enemy's job to exploit your weaknesses. It is your duty not to allow it the opportunity. We can surely stop providing our rivals with more cannon fodder.

Before I proceed with this quest, let us highlight the green shoots of success. Since this May, a sense of growing confidence has spread throughout the country, with many hearts feeling that the nation is gaining respect. You know what happened in May. However, even before that, we can see an effort to correct our direction. It all starts with economics. And it all starts with this prime minister. The moment I started paying attention was when this PM, during his previous stint, went the extra mile to snatch a standby agreement from the jaws of a failing IMF extended fund facility on its final........

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