So I've been meaning to post since I got back from Pakistan last month. But before I get into it, raise your hands (all 3 of you) if you knew Pakistan was an acronym. I had no idea. Next thing you know, we'll find out that USA stands for something.
Anyways, so I got the chance to go to Pakistan for this project I'm working on called Education City. While I didn't get a chance to venture too far from the car or the office, I did get a chance to snap a few discrete shots on my I-Phizzle. Really when you can get past all the things that stand out to Americans: chaotic streets, open sewers, dense slums (at least in Karachi anyway) you see a country bursting at the seams. And Pakistan has two key ingredients that if combined in perfect proportion are the cornerstones of modern nation building. . .
Of course it helps to have strong leadership and a stable government, but you have to crawl before you walk. What does this all boil down to? That nasty "P" word, potential. Overused and overly optimistic. The truth is, a lot will have to go right for Pakistan to become the nation it wants to be. An investment in Education, which is the whole reason we are working there, is a good start. I'm skeptical that the government's ambitions can become a reality but the intent is there. If the 6th largest country doesn't figure out a way to keep its talent "in house" then its the rest of the developed world that will prosper. While the rest of the world is catching up, seeing Pakistan makes me appreciate the education options we have in America, even if it costs an arm, a leg, a rib, a kidney, and all the money I'm going to make over the next 15 years.
Here are some photos I snagged. . .
Anyways, so I got the chance to go to Pakistan for this project I'm working on called Education City. While I didn't get a chance to venture too far from the car or the office, I did get a chance to snap a few discrete shots on my I-Phizzle. Really when you can get past all the things that stand out to Americans: chaotic streets, open sewers, dense slums (at least in Karachi anyway) you see a country bursting at the seams. And Pakistan has two key ingredients that if combined in perfect proportion are the cornerstones of modern nation building. . .
- Explosive Population Growth
- Cheap Labor
Of course it helps to have strong leadership and a stable government, but you have to crawl before you walk. What does this all boil down to? That nasty "P" word, potential. Overused and overly optimistic. The truth is, a lot will have to go right for Pakistan to become the nation it wants to be. An investment in Education, which is the whole reason we are working there, is a good start. I'm skeptical that the government's ambitions can become a reality but the intent is there. If the 6th largest country doesn't figure out a way to keep its talent "in house" then its the rest of the developed world that will prosper. While the rest of the world is catching up, seeing Pakistan makes me appreciate the education options we have in America, even if it costs an arm, a leg, a rib, a kidney, and all the money I'm going to make over the next 15 years.
Here are some photos I snagged. . .
