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An Australian's REBUTTAL to TIME Magazine's story on Karachi

The Editor, Time Magazine

Dear Editor,

I recently returned from a charitable trip to Pakistan, whereby I visited both Karachi and

Islamabad. I spoke with several universities, key businesses, prominent business leaders and

several religious people from all generations.On the day I returned to the office, someone had placed your magazine (January 16, 2012), on

my desk. I read with interest your article on Karachi and the city in doom. For a person to have

just returned from the very same place that your magazine described was somewhat bizarre, so

I read with great detail your writer (Andrew Marshalls) account.

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Let me begin by saying that I often flick through your magazine and find the articles of great

interest, but on this particular day and this particular article, I found certain comments to be

both one sided and indeed very negative. I say that because I saw a different Pakistan to what

was portrayed in your article. I do not and will not comment on the political or religious

problems that the country faces, but I will go so far as to say that not everything is as bad as the

image that your magazine paints.Sure there are deaths in the cities. Please show me a city in the world that is free from political

fighting and unrest.

Sure there are differences in the political party opinions. Please show me a country in the world

where the political parties agree.

Sure the innocent are suffering. Please show me a country in the world where wealth and

power is equal and the innocent dont suffer.

Sure corruption is in Pakistan. Please show me a country in the world that is corruption free.My list could go on, but my point is that Pakistan does have problemsbut so does every other

country in the world in some way or another. However, in the case of ALL other nations, there

are often good things to report and the media goes out of its way to promote these good things

across the globe, whenever possible. The ridiculous amount of shootings in the USA is balanced

off by the success of Google, Microsoft and Apple. The financial dilemmas of Greece are lost in

the marketing of the Greek Islands as a holiday destination of choice. The child slave industry of

India, is brushed under the carpet in favour of the nations growth in the global software boom.

What I am trying to say, is that someone needs to look further into Pakistan and see that there

are millions of great stories to write about, which would portray the country in a different light,

to that what is being portrayed by your article.When I was in Pakistan, I visited a towel manufacturing company (Alkaram Towels). They

produced some $60million in export in 2011 and are aiming at $85million in 2012. A substantial

increase in salesin a recession I would remind you. The company was started by the current

Chairman, Mr. Mehtab Chawla, at the tender age of nine, after his father passed away. Today

the very man employs 3000 staff. Now thats a story.I visited universities of NED, Hamdard, Karachi, Szabist and NUST. The students are unbelievably

intelligent. They spend their spare time developing APPS for android and apple. They are

involved in cutting edge technology and no one in the world knows this. Why not send a

reporter to Pakistan to look into this. Why not research good things in this nation, rather thanjust the bad things. At NUST (National Institution for Science and TechnologyIslamabad))

there were 38,000 applications for medicine. There are only 83 seats for the medicine course

on offer. The competition is unbelievable. In short it pushes the best to be even better. But the

world doesnt know this. Why? Because no one wants to report on it, or no one knows about

itor both!!

Please do not get me wrong. I understand that news is news, but it is high time that the

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western world stopped promoting these terrorists and political wars in Pakistan and started to

write something that would help the nation. Something positive. If we really care about global

partnerships and economic growth, then I suggest we try and give Pakistan a helping hand.

There are 180 million people in Pakistan, 65% are under the age of 25. The youth of Pakistan is

its strength.. it is like a sleeping giant. If you think that India is a booming nation. I suggest you

stop a second and look at Pakistan. Given a little help from the western world, Pakistan canbecome a dominant economy. She doesnt want aid and she doesnt need money she just

wants the chance to be seen in a different light. I believe we have a fundamental obligation to

assist. The only question is, who will reach out first.

Warmest regards,Tony LazaroManaging DirectorRising Stars Management GroupTel: 02 8824 7000Fax: 02 8824 7766www.risingstars.com.au

http://www.risingstars.com.au/http://www.risingstars.com.au/http://www.risingstars.com.au/