I have been fortunate to speak frequently at myriad forums in the last year. The subject that I address most frequently is the future potential of Pakistan, how it can be a leader among the nations of the world, and what it needs to do to be an economic powerhouse. I have also written on this, and on the tremendous untapped capability of the 120 million youth (under 20) of Pakistan, and the potential of our various sectors, including Buddhist and heritage tourism, which can contribute billions of dollars per year to the economy of Pakistan.

My optimism, however, is always moderated with a caveat; Pakistan will rise to take its prominent place in the world community but much needs to be done, and it will take time – no less than a decade. Furthermore, this can only be done in a deliberate and planned manner. However, it is not clear whether the current leadership of the major parties can rise to the occasion. So, the trajectory to the top of the world leadership is contingent on revamped leadership that has yet to materialize, but may be in the offing.

What is inevitable is that in twenty five years Pakistan will be the third largest country by population (400 million) and probably the top 20 largest economies ($4.4 Trillion GDP-PPP) of the world. When Pakistan arrives at this stage, it is certain to alert the world and potential investors are bound to come to take advantage of the large market. On the flip side, the population size that will lead to the great economic size will dilute the per capita income and we will still be a nation of poor individuals. Unless, a new leadership can take the helm, take advantage of the investment regimes, and help Pakistan progress from the inevitable (large population and........

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