Who will lead change to democracy dilemma?

In recent days, as Pakistan's economic woes have intensified, a veritable cottage industry has developed to suggest ways of putting the country back on track. Those offering advice include eminent Pakistani professors at universities such as Harvard and Princeton, former finance ministers, and retired bureaucrats. In posts on social media and newspaper columns, these distinguished thinkers provide detailed analyses of the problems we face. This is usually followed by a set of prescriptions: raise productivity, slash imports, boost exports, invest in vital infrastructure, rejuvenate local industry, and align the education system with the job market – the list goes on. All these recommendations make good sense and are indeed worthy of implementation. The problem, however, is that the illustrious thinkers contributing to the debate are missing the point. There is no dispute about what has to be done – it has been clear for some time.