Delinquent Pak
Times of India's Edit Page team comprises senior journalists with wide-ranging interests who debate and opine on the news and issues of the day.
How long will a terror sponsor get financial bailouts?
Amidst the military escalation by Pakistan – which now includes the irresponsible use of civilian passenger jets as human shields – its latest IMF bailout package was reviewed yesterday. But the spectacle of a sponsor of terror getting bailouts from an international lender is truly jarring. IMF bailouts for Pakistan are akin to giving a delinquent teenager additional pocket money despite a history of irresponsible behaviour. It must stop for the sake of global security.
Despite an astonishing 24 IMF bailouts since 1958, Pakistan has little to show by way of reforms. Even noted Pakistani economist Kaiser Bengali has said that his country has been reduced to a pauper, taking loans to pay off loans. Any sensible country would have made its economy a priority. But Pakistan spends the money on defence, willingly gets into conflict situations, and fritters the rest away through corruption. Consider two points. According to SIPRI, Pakistan spent $10bn or 2.6% of its GDP on defence in 2024. This, despite Islamabad's external debt being over $130bn, and forex reserves just $15bn, good for only three months of imports. Pakistan's army is clearly siphoning off most of the country's money and bailout support. Yet, Islamabad this year proposes to further increase defence spending by 18%
Second, for every Pakistani Rs 100 collected in taxes, trading and commercial imports businesses contribute just 60 paise. Unsurprisingly, a plethora of Pakistan's politicians fall in the latter category. In other words, Pak generals and politicians are looting the state. But if international lenders threaten to withhold financial support, Pakistan's leaders have perfected the art of negotiating with a gun to their head, effectively engaging in nuclear blackmail. It's time to call Pakistan's bluff. The generals at Rawalpindi GHQ and Pakistan's corrupt politicians have taken the world for a ride for far too long.
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email
This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Leo Daily Horoscope Today, June 11, 2025: Gratitude shows what's already right
Today brings a soft reminder to count blessings, not burdens. Things you may have ignored are quietly working in your favour. Instead of focusing on what's missing, look at what's going well. The universe responds kindly to grateful hearts. A kind word from a stranger, a sudden moment of peace—these are signs that you're supported. Don't rush the day; instead, walk through it with awareness. Even small joys can lift your spirit and shift your whole outlook toward positivity. Leo Love Horoscope Today In love, your heart feels more generous than usual. You may notice beauty in simple gestures—a shared laugh, a comforting silence, or a remembered promise. Gratitude builds deeper connection. If you're single, shift your energy from searching to enjoying the moment. When love arrives, it often finds those who are already full within. Smile more today. It invites warmth from unexpected directions. Leo Career Horoscope Today Career-wise, today you are reminded that your efforts are already creating impact. Even if recognition seems delayed, your consistency is building something solid. Try not to compare your journey with others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Device Made My Power Bill Drop Overnight elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo A small achievement deserves celebration. Colleagues may turn to you for advice—this is a sign of quiet respect. Stay humble, but trust your talent. Gratitude for your current role will bring the energy to grow further. Success is not far—it just needs your faith and continued focus. Leo Money Horoscope Today Money matters may feel stable, though not extremely exciting. This is not the time for huge risks but for appreciating the security you do have. Avoid comparing your financial status with others—it only brings stress. Instead, be grateful for your basic needs being met. Think long-term. A small saving or investment made today can become your strength later. Gratitude attracts abundance, but greed creates loss. Give thanks for what you have, and you'll see doors quietly open ahead. Leo Health Horoscope Today Health today may improve if you focus on balance. Too much running around or emotional thinking could drain your energy. The body is asking for gentle care, not sudden actions. You may feel slight tiredness or stiffness in the neck or back. A warm bath, light stretches, or simple breathing exercises will help. Digestive health may benefit from eating slowly and with mindfulness. Gratitude helps your heart feel lighter—and when the heart is at peace, the body begins to heal. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Pakistan COAS Asim Munir Invited To US Army Day Celebrations On June 14: Sources
Last Updated: During this visit, the US is likely to urge Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups targeting Afghanistan and India Pakistan's chief of army staff General Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah is scheduled to visit Washington DC, for the US Army Day celebrations on June 14, top intelligence sources have told CNN-News18. He will join other military leaders to commemorate the US Army's 250th anniversary. According to sources at the Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC, Munir is expected to arrive on June 12. During this visit, the US is likely to urge Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups targeting Afghanistan and India. The invitation appears to be linked more to the ongoing US-China rivalry and Pakistan's strategic importance than any stance against India. Due to Pakistan's close ties with China through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the US harbours concerns about Pakistan's neutrality. Given the current geopolitical climate, the US is unlikely to view Pakistan as a credible or neutral mediator, said sources. This visit has also provoked political reactions within Pakistan, with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) planning protests against Munir's visit and labelling him a criminal. Pakistan is expected to seek assurances from the US regarding the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghanistan. Historically, Pakistan has sought US mediation on various issues, while India firmly rejects third-party involvement. The US prefers bilateral dialogue and is unlikely to alter its stance in favour of mediation, sources said. Pakistan recognises the potential debt trap associated with China and is eager to attract investment from other global powers. The country possesses valuable resources such as lithium, copper, gold, and rare earth minerals, for which it urgently requires investment. However, Pakistan is wary of potential colonisation similar to China's approach. The visit aims to manage the strained security relationship between the US and Pakistan. Pakistan will likely pursue its agenda on mediation in Kashmir and seek investments in its mineral resources. However, tangible outcomes may be limited, as India is unlikely to accede to any external demands regarding Kashmir. First Published: June 11, 2025, 02:37 IST
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Cancer Daily Horoscope Today, June 11, 2025: A routine tweak changes everything
Today brings the perfect chance to shift one small part of your daily routine. Even a small change can create a big emotional difference. You've been holding on to a pattern that may no longer serve you. The stars ask you to notice what you do every day without thinking—and try something fresh. New music, a different route, or waking up just 10 minutes earlier could lift your whole mood. The key lies in gentle change, not forceful action. Cancer Love Horoscope Today Love feels lighter when you stop expecting too much. A small gesture—like a kind word or a warm hug—can reconnect bonds. If you are in a relationship, try something new together, even a small walk at a new place. If you are single, take a break from worrying. The right person often shows up when we are simply enjoying life. Make space for little joys today. Trust that when you shift your energy, love also finds a new way in. Cancer Career Horoscope Today Work may feel repetitive, but this is where the magic of change comes in. A colleague may offer an idea that helps you work smarter. Avoid rushing—quality over speed wins today. You may get praise for something you thought no one noticed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Medical Mystery Solved: Dementia and Memory Loss Has Been Linked To This Common Thing. vitalgethealth Click Here Undo A slight shift in routine can bring surprising success. Trust the flow and remain present. Cancer Money Horoscope Today Today is not for spending without thinking. A minor change in how you manage your money can help greatly. Try a new budgeting method or set a small savings goal. Even a five-minute review of your wallet or bank app can bring awareness. Avoid borrowing or lending today. If someone asks for financial help, be kind but cautious. A change in your attitude towards money—less fear, more purpose—can attract abundance. Remember, prosperity grows with mindful planning. Cancer Health Horoscope Today Health can improve today with just one little habit change. Swap late-night snacks with warm milk or herbal tea. Change your sleep time slightly. Add five minutes of breathing or stretching in the morning. These small shifts can make your mind calm and your body more alive. Digestive issues may improve with a light diet. Don't ignore signs your body gives—aches, tiredness, or mood drops. Care begins with attention. The stars remind you: change doesn't have to be big to be powerful. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
