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Analysts appreciate the prudent measures of PTI-led government to improve economy
January 16, 2022

Shaukat Tarin (Finance Minister): The most valuable and viable resource for any country is its manpower. The principles and intricacies of economy revolve around efficacious management of available resources. Human resources are the most important and precious for the economy of Pakistan.  There are numerous examples of countries like Japan and China that have developed their economic muscle by virtue of harnessing their human resources. The government of Pakistan has decided to enhance spending in education and health sectors to develop the human resources. The projects like CPEC are only precursors and enablers for Pakistan. The actual payback stage is reliant on the use of these special economic zones to boost industrialization in Pakistan that will eventually increase employment generation rate. Pakistan has been lagging behind due to lack of infrastructure development. The infrastructure has been well-developed at this stage and will complement in boosting the economic growth rate to 4-5% in the next fiscal year. The time ahead is quite relaxing for the economy of Pakistan as there will be decline in inflation rate and current account deficit.  

Dr. Aliya Hashmi (Economist): The implementation and functioning of the special economic zones is the need of the hour for betterment of Pakistan's economy. These projects are a ray of hope for employment generation in Pakistan that will curtail the challenge of unemployment in the country. The IMF program might lead to double digits inflation but the government of Pakistan is vigilant of the imminent situation. There is a dire need to uplift the purchasing power of the people so that the public gets immunity from the inflation storm. The geo-strategic position of Pakistan compels defense forces to improvise weaponry and security strategy of Pakistan. The security states like Pakistan have to bear the economic burden of the indispensable military archives. The incumbent government should make sure that the young generation is capable of technical services that are required in the special economic zones. Moreover, women should be empowered to be an integral part of Pakistan's economy and play a vital role for its prosperity. The employment generation should not be confined to official jobs but the opportunities for self-employment should also be encouraged. 

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Naeem Khalid Lodhi (Former Defense Secretary): The announcement of provision of wheat aid to Afghanistan by India was a plan to malign Pakistan's proactive role at international level. Pakistan has always welcomed India to promote peace in the region. Pakistan's government had offered India to trade off wheat assistance to Afghanistan via Pakistan. India never wanted to help Afghan people, that is why not a single grain has been handed over to Afghan authorities. The US and its allies, mainly India in the South Asian region, are waiting for the Taliban regime to collapse due to economic upheaval. The Afghan people have never asked for aid, rather they have always demanded release of their legit international funds and assets. The incumbent Taliban have improvised them and are more open to the international community for negotiations. Pakistan has advocated the case of Afghanistan at international level. It is also urging the Taliban government to show flexibility. The extraneous efforts of Pakistan to curb the Afghan crisis are commendable. The regional spoilers like India should take note and play a constructive role rather than paying lip service for the well-being of Afghan people. 

Dr. A. Z. Hilali (IR Expert): The chessboard of international politics is in a stalemate. Every country wants to move forward to curb the Afghan crisis and be an emblem of benevolentness. But the national interests of these states are not allowing them to help Afghan people on humanitarian grounds. The international community has acknowledged and has subscribed to Pakistan's narrative on the Afghan issue and has urged major powers to play a deterministic role. But nothing has been done in praxis and the underlying reason for this situation is well explained by an editorial in The Washington Times. The editorial states that there is no room for morality and human factors in international politics. Even if this is the case still it is in the national interest of the big five to help the Afghan people. The isolation of Afghanistan might lead to the resurrection of Al-Qaeda that will eventually pose existential threat to those states that are ignoring Afghanistan in tough times.