THIS is with reference to the article ‘Hard or competent state?’ (April 7), which recommended the use of the terms ‘competent’ or ‘strong’ state instead of a ‘hard’ state.

Between the two recommended terms, I feel ‘competent’ state is the right choice because it is comprehensive and implies both hard and soft stances in the right mix.

It is worth remembering that China got its independence a year later than us, and yet it holds foreign exchange reserves of over three trillion dollars, as against our meagre reserves. China achieved this spectacular success because it had efficient governments that used soft and hard power in the right proportions, not hesitating to execute even the privileged when found guilty of major corruption.

S.R.H. Hashmi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2025