Off Topic: Isnt it ironic that likes of Switzerland and Sweden with almost no enemy are amongst the largest arms exproters? This what is called earning from anything U can sell.Like as per 2013 statistics:
http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-05-...and-are-among-top-arms-exporters-capita-world
Simply impressive.
Hon Shah 1398,
It may be off topic but very good point for introspection. Both the Switzerland & Sweden may be small in population & size but both the countries are fiercely independent. Since I have lived & worked in Geneva for one year in 1981, I know a little more about Swiss than about the Swedes.
Swiss are not a “Peace” loving nation by nature. People of this area have been employed as mercenaries since the 11th Century. Papal Swiss guards date back to 1506 when 150 Swiss soldiers from the Canton Uri led by Capt. Silenen were first employed by the Pope Julius II
Even though Switzerland as ‘Helvetic ‘Confederacy existed from 815 onwards, the country we know today was formed as a federal unit in 1848 consisting of 26 Cantons. Last occupation of Switzerland by any foreign power was by Napoleon in 1803. Ever since 1815 Vienna Conference following the defeat of Napoleon, Swiss confederation has vowed to remain neutral in all European conflicts.
Switzerland has population of about 8-million. 60% of Switzerland being mountainous, Swiss exploit the natural defences of the terrain and have always kept sufficient forces to make occupation by any foreign power much too onerous. There is a national service for the 19- 21 year old males followed by 3 weeks refresher courses up to the age of 30. Women are not conscripted but can volunteer.
Active personnel are only 20,800 but with active reserve force of 148,250 and a Civil Defence force of 72, 2900, there would be some 200,000 trained personnel to guard Swiss independence.
Swiss armament industry is a pigmy compared to other Swiss industrial enterprises. Even if one excludes the Swiss Banks and the Watches; just 3 Swiss companies, Nestle ( Annual revenue SF 91- billion),Novartis International (Revenue SF 42-billion) & Hoffman La Roche (Revenue SF32-billion) generate income of SF 166-billion ( $170-billion). Whereas Pakistan with a population of 200-million has total GDP of about $275-billion.
Switzerland is one the most advance countries in the whole world with per capita GDP of about $85K. Therefore citing Swiss example vis a vis Pakistan (GDP per capita of $1.5K) may be unrealistic but certainly food for thought..
If we must, we should endeavour to focus on Swiss economic success. This means very strong emphasis on education and merit and improving human development index with everyone observing rules & regulations of the State.
Switzerland emerged out of the sectarian conflict under John Calvin in 1541. Whereas in Pakistan LEJ is still actively killing Shias, Ismailis , Christians, including Sufi following Sunnis like Amjad Sabri. Saudi funded Wahhabis and Iran funded Shias fighting a proxy war in Pakistan. This makes Pakistan is about 500 years behind Switzerland.
Many Muslim zealots including a section of Pakistanis couldn’t care less about industry and economic progress; instead they are hell bent on re-creating a 7th Century Khilafat. Until we come out of this time warp and learn to live in 21st Century world as good Muslims; Pakistan will continue to be centuries behind the countries like Switzerland.