Hamayun Iqbal Shami (Chairman Pakistan Economic Forum): The road infrastructure plays an important role in the development of any country as it improves the connectivity. The United States soon after independence focused on construction of new roads and freeways to have easy access to different areas. The roads open up more areas and stimulate economic and social development. The efforts of the incumbent government in improving road infrastructure are welcoming. Similarly, completion of Sialkot-Kharian-Rawalpindi Motorway would reduce travel time between the two cities and create thousands of employment opportunities. I am hopeful that the present government will ensure transparency in the ongoing projects.

Dr. Aliya Hashmi (Economist): The railways and road infrastructure is important in economic development of a country as it generates economic activities, improves connectivity and people in the surroundings get job opportunities. I am hopeful that Lillah-Jhelum and Sialkot-Kharian-Rawalpindi Motorway projects would play an important role in the economic development of the country. However, transparency in these projects must be ensured. In the past, certain projects incurred high-level corruption and till now there is a question mark on the performance of the previous governments.

Naveed Akbar (IR Expert): Since the Afghan Taliban took control of Kabul, the war-torn country is facing many issues including shortage of food and other basic necessities. The Afghan assets frozen by the United States is further adding to the problems for the newly formed Afghan government. Pakistan is supporting the Afghan government despite its limited resources and urging the world to help Afghan people in this crucial time. The recently held Troika Plus meeting also expressed concerns over the severe humanitarian and economic situation in the war-torn country. If the current situation prevails in Afghanistan, it may lead to an influx of refugees that will be a problem for the world. Pakistan is already hosting a large number of Afghan refugees and cannot afford more of them. It is prime responsibility of the United Nations to take concrete measures to avert humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The international community needs to play a responsible role to support Afghan people. The Muslim countries are looking towards OIC to play its role in this regard as well.

Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Ijaz Mehmood (Defense Analyst): The present situation in Afghanistan is gradually leading towards humanitarian crisis. Prime Minister Imran Khan from the very first day after the NATO withdrawal is urging the world to come forward and support the Afghan people. Unfortunately, the world is not taking serious action to normalize the situation in Afghanistan. The time demands the responsible role of the international community as there is going to be a shortage of food and as winter season has almost started it will add to the difficulties of Afghan people. The US government and the international community have no option but to engage with the Taliban as it leads the effort to build peace and stability in Afghanistan. If the international community really wants Afghans to live a prosperous life and to have a developed country, then they should continue providing financial aid and assistance to the Taliban government.