Ex-Pakistani Army Officer: Afghanistan Builds Dams as Pakistan Takes on Debt

DID Press: Adil Raja, a former Pakistani army officer, has criticised Pakistan’s government and military, highlighting what he described as contrasting development priorities in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Comparing the two countries, Raja criticised Islamabad’s economic policies, saying Afghanistan was investing in dam construction and infrastructure development, while Pakistan continued to rely on borrowing and prioritised projects linked to military institutions.

He said Afghanistan was investing in infrastructure projects, including dams, while Pakistan remained dependent on loans and gave particular prominence to projects run by the Defence Housing Authority and military foundations.

Questioning the loans taken in the name of the Pakistani people, Raja asked how these funds had improved citizens’ lives and what steps had been taken to promote public welfare.

He stressed that Pakistan’s government should direct financial resources towards sectors that directly improve people’s lives and strengthen public services rather than continuing to accumulate debt.