India is getting 17 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the shape of taxes, while Pakistan is gaining only 10 percent of the GDP as tax. It is prerequisite to enhance the tax net to face the economic challenges, said former senator and ambassador, Akram Zaki.
Addressing a seminar titled "Pakistan's Foreign Affairs with special reference to India" organised by the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, he hailed the latest improvement in Pakistan and India relations, saying cricket diplomacy is a step to streamline relations and hoped that a breakthrough can come out as a result.
Talking about 1965 war, he recalled the help made by Turkey, Iran China and Indonesia and stressed the need to further enhance ties with the countries.
He termed tenure of former President General Musharraf and Yahya Khan as black chapters in the history of Pakistan. Zaki also said that Kargal War was a mistake and Musharraf's tenure gave rise to many crises confronting the country still now.
He rapped former General Zia-ul-Haq for diverting attention from eastern border and focus on Afghan war, paving way for India to improve their military and become stronger. Talking about water issue, the former ambassador said world community stores 40 percent of river water while Pakistan is storing only 13 percent of it, stressing the need to construct big dam as it is becoming scarce and Pakistan can face problems in this regard.
He recalled the sayings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as Quaid said at the time of partition that both the countries (India, Pakistan) will run peaceful governments and maintain friendly relations. Expressing his views, Dr Iqrar Ahmad praised the struggle of Kashmiris.
He said that India adopted the idea of 'Higher Education Commission' from Pakistan for massive improvement in the field of education. He said that the commission should not be dissolved. He urged the students to work hard for development of the country, saying they are the forces that can move the country towards prosperity. Faculty of Sciences Dean, Professor Dr Ashraf also spoke on occasion.
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