This refers to the letter ‘True austerity’ (April 5, 2026) by Qamer Soomro. The writer says that Angela Merkel – the former German Chancellor often described as an iron lady of quiet resolve – embodied a rare blend of simplicity and strength. She is renowned around the world for how she managed to run such a huge country for 16 years with such phenomenal success. Left, right and centre we keep hearing her accolades.
As such, an idea has popped up in my mind. If nothing else, can our prime minister please muster the courage to invite Ms Merkel to come and take up residence in Islamabad for a year and advise his government on how to manage this haphazardly-run country with simplicity, strength, lasting austerity, and a ‘master vision’ of sustainable development.
Abbas R Siddiqi
Lahore
