There is no reason to criticize the government for joining IMF at a time when Pakistan is passing through a great economic crisis. There is no other way the economy could be stabilized. The PPP government has to take strong steps to bring back some semblance of order in the economy. It has not only gone for borrowing from multilateral donors but is also creating an environment that would be favourable for international investors. In this regard, a group called 'Friends of Pakistan' has been constituted to help Pakistan weather out the economic crisis. This forum would open new avenues for the investors, helping them make strategic investments in different sectors of the country's economy. Let us hope the government is successful in making a difference by showing better resolve in implementation of its economic policies than its predecessors. -HAMZA NASIR, Lahore, via e-mail, November 26.