Thread by @jerryshah

As a student of history, ive always wondered why certain people were colonized whilst some managed to withstand the colonial onslaught between the 18th and 20th centuries. In particular how a sub continent with such a large population and an economy whose GDP was 24%

Of global GDP in 1700 could be taken over with relative ease by essentially a trading company. Of course we know of the Mir Jafars, fragmentation, infighting etc. But at some core level , why was there no significant resistance for almost a century.

One sees the same now as well with the subservience and grovelling we see for our dynasties and rising suns. The TC's at Lahori Iftars recently. This widespread belief amongst our elites that beggars cant be choosers. No one is saying to wage war or abuse the west.

But why cant we have self belief as 220Mn people, some of whom are excelling in fields and recognized globally. Why cant we have reforms? Why cant we strive to stand on our own feet. We have been to the IMF 23 times, borrowed money from friendly countries countless times yet

We have not curbed our insatiable appetite for patronage, rent seeking and wastage. Why does our elite have safety nests abroad even 5 decades post nationalization? Why is our judiciary ranked 139th in the world and a joke? Why is our bureaucracy a 19th century one and an inept

One at that? Why is our military business empire expanding exponentially with DHAs a matter of life and death? Has anyone even considered if real estate is the most productive use of our investment and savings? When did cars become an asset class FFS?

Dont pick a side geopolitically but at least take your own side. Your kids side. 65% of the population is under the age of 30. But, you really think this rotten status quo can deliver for the 140mn under the age of 30. You really think this status quo is going to destroy its own

Gravy train, let go of control over state resources, tighten its belt, possibly put in danger their offshore wealth,DHAs and put in the hard miles? Especially when they are reeking of entitlement like our colonial masters of the raj felt here.

Whats stopping them? The famous words of YRG, recently declared innocent by our ECP, to CNN when asked why millions of Pakistanis want to go abroad for a better living.

I guess its clear why societies like ours were so easily colonized & unlike other former colonies continue

to be beggars and not choosers.

Question is can we alter our trajectory as well or not? The next few weeks will be decisive.

#MarchAgainstImportedGovt