Pakistani-American businessman Sajid Tarar, who maintains close ties with the ruling Pakistani establishment, relocated to the US in the 1990s. He expressed admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a “remarkable” and “natural-born leader.” Tarar lauded Modi’s visit to Pakistan despite adverse circumstances, highlighting his willingness to risk political capital. He expressed hope for Modi to initiate dialogue and trade with Pakistan, emphasizing that a peaceful Pakistan would benefit India as well.
In response to a question, Tarar acknowledged Modi’s popularity and India’s rise in 2024, attributing it to the country’s young demographics. He also highlighted the significance of India’s democratic process, noting that over 97 crore people exercise their franchise.
Tarar further drew attention to Pakistan’s economic crisis and questioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to provide financial aid to the people of Ukraine. He criticized the Pakistani government for failing to address grassroots issues, such as inflation, high petrol prices, and the need to increase exports. He expressed concern over protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) due to increased electricity bills.
Tarar emphasized the need for effective leadership in Pakistan to address these challenges, stating, “We wish that we get some leadership who can take us to the next level away from all these issues.” He expressed hope that Pakistan could learn from India’s democratic model in the future.
