Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig (Economist): There is no doubt that COVID-19 pandemic has badly affected the global economy and the developing countries suffered more. Prime Minister Imran Khan appealed the leaders of rich countries to provide debt relief to developing countries like Pakistan, so that they could combat the deadly Covid-19 in a better way. This initiative of Prime Minister was appreciated by many countries. The entire world faced the economic recession during the pandemic. The developed countries had adopted a policy to first focus on containing the virus through lockdowns and then dealing with the economic impact whereas Pakistan adopted the strategy of smart lockdown in order to maintain a balance between staying safe from pandemic and also continuing the business activities.

Humayun Iqbal Shami (Chairman, Pakistan Economic Forum): The developing countries are facing issues in debt re-payments. Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged the world to expand the coverage of COVAX facility so that the deserving countries can counter COVID-19 in an effective way. Prime Minister also rightly asked the world for allocation of Special Drawing Rights of 500 billion dollars to help alleviate balance-of-payment pressures. Despite of the pandemic, the industrial growth in Pakistan was better as compared to many other countries, but the need of the hour is to provide further relief to the industries. The institutions that are non-profitable and a burden on country' economy must be privatized.

Lt Gen (Retd) Naeem Khalid Lodhi (Defense Analyst): We appreciate the continuous struggle of Kashmiris for their right to self-determination. India is illegally occupying the valley for the last many decades and even used the illegal ways to suppress the struggle of Kashmiris but cannot succeed in its mission. Kashmiris around the world will observe India's Republic Day as Black Day on Tuesday. The India forces are not hesitant to target the civilians directly at LoC. India also invaded in Chinese territory but received a strong response from Chinese army.

Lt Gen (Retd) Asif Yaseen Malik (Defense Analyst): The world must take notice of human rights violation wherever being committed. For the last many decades, the Kashmiris have been suffering Indian atrocities and human rights violations, but it is unfortunate the international community is adopting a criminal silence over it. Pakistan is continuing to highlight Kashmir issue on all international forums and will continue to do so till the Kashmiris get their right to self-determination. I am not hopeful from new US administration to play role in resolving Kashmir dispute as almost five Indians are the part of this administration.