Dr Salman Shah (Advisor to CM Punjab) The volume of the production of the crops domestically has been increased this year which implies that the agricultural sector is embracing prosperity. The farmers have been paid a good price against the crops to improve their living standards. Although paying high prices at the first end to farmers might yield inflation in the sector of agricultural products, the government is still determined to uplift the agricultural sector by hook or crook. Moreover, the incumbent government is looking forward to modernizing the agricultural sector by virtue of improvisation in seed quality and provision of financial assistance to farmers. The other sectors of Pakistan's economy are also thriving whether it is the services sector or manufacturing sector.  During the harsh times of pandemic when the global supply chains were distorted, Pakistan has still managed to keep the supply chains intact. The private sector in the country is conducting robust business. All these factors have cumulatively contributed to the increase in the growth rate of the country. The government is determined to make the business environment conducive for the increase in investments that will eventually increase the growth rate of Pakistan in next year.

Dr Mirza Ikhtiyar  Baig (Economists) Inflation can be countered effectively by increase in the income that will eventually increase the purchasing power. The welfare states have efficiently countered the economic turmoil amid pandemic by ensuring continuity of the salaries, provision of stipends and social protection policies. Pakistan, being a developing country has mustered up the courage to spearhead social protection programs amid pandemic despite an economic crunch. Moreover, the interest free loans have been provided to the public and the taxation rate has been set to lowest possible to bring relief for the general public. The incumbent government has yielded job opportunities for the skilled labor in the market and various other programs like Kamyab Jawan Program have collectively increased the growth rate of the country.  The statements about the growth rate as issued by the officials have faced flak by the different segments. The projected growth rate can be justified by the fact the finance ministry has this legitimate right to revisit the growth rate whenever there is a change in the baseline. Inflations can be easily countered by virtue of administering the demand and supply equilibrium which is the fundamental goal of the government.

Maj Gen Retd Ijaz Awan (Defense Analyst) The entire international community is eyewitness of the mess created by the US after their unceremonious exodus from Afghanistan. The economic condition of the war torn country is deteriorating and a looming humanitarian crisis is impending. Even after having this acknowledgment, the US is still not releasing the legit funds of Afghanistan. Pakistan is the only country at regional and international level that is vocal for curbing the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The efforts of Pakistan in arranging the extra ordinary session of OIC is yielding fruits and even the US officials are urging President Biden to de-freeze legit funds of the war torn country. The champions of democracy and liberalism have heavily invested in the destabilization of Afghanistan. There is no point left that justifies the freezing of funds of Afghan people after the US officials have struck a deal with Taliban.

Lt Gen Retd Raza Muhammad Khan (IR Expert) Pakistan has been vocal about the imminent humanitarian crisis in war torn country. Whether it is humanitarian assistance or recognition related efforts Pakistan has supported the incumbent Taliban government. The OIC summit was one of the milestones achieved in this case and the Oslo summit will also release the tensions between the Taliban and the west. Furthermore, the EU has also announced that they will ensure their presence in Afghanistan for humanitarian assistance. The international community should directly hand over the legit funds of Afghan people to the incumbent government rather than involving NGOs. The incumbent government is more aware of the intricacies of the helm of affairs of the war torn country than NGOs. Moreover, the Taliban should also understand that they have to fulfill the pledges they have made to Pakistan and west. The soil of Afghanistan should not be used for the terrorism again and the recent terrorist activities of TTP unveil that Taliban have not materialized their promise. Peace in Afghanistan is synonymous to peace in the region as well as in the west. The economic turmoil might lead to the resurrection of ISIS elements and an influx. So, it is better to nip the conundrum in the bud, otherwise the entire international community will have to face the repercussions.