Daily Times

In its journey of seven decades, Pakistan’s political trajectory has been repeatedly marred by martial laws and political disorders.

Terrorism and religious extremism has stagnated country’s progress and has made quotidian life extremely miserable for common masses. Though the country has seen some charismatic democratic leaders, most of them were trained by dictators.

PCO judges made a mockery of constitution, democracy and rule of law.

It is high time that we adopt a coherent framework and ‘strategy 2033’ to ameliorate economic growth. Strategy 2033 calls for Pakistan’s increased growth which should not be less than 7%.

For the next 15 years, we must take into account all key internal and external factors and work on the implementation of strategy 2033 which of course is very difficult.

The various factors that need to be prioritized are as follows:

Eliminating terrorism:

We must wipe out terrorism and non-state actors from our country. How can a country that has not been even able to hold international cricket matches for more than decade grow economically?

Under these circumstances, no foreign investment is possible and people from foreign countries will never be willing to visit the country. Pakistan should also carry out all efforts to ensure that it’s not grey-listed. It should materialise all its goals under UNSC resolution.

Bilateral relations with neighbours:

Pakistan must develop good relations with Iran and Afghanistan. In order to improve regional connectivity, the country must try to establish healthy relations with India. Lack of regional connectivity is detrimental to the overall growth and trade prospects. Those at the helm of affairs should also work on practical relations with China.

Ensuring democratic Process:

We must ensure continuity of democratic process in Pakistan. The stakeholders should s adhere to the constitution, ensure rule of law and establish the supremacy of parliament.

For the next 15 years, we must take into account all key internal and external factors and work on implementation of strategy 2033 which of course is very difficult

All political parties should sign a charter of democracy, accept the integrity of election results and discourage the childish behaviour. All amendments made in the constitution by dictators should be repealed by the parliament. Political parties must strive to roll back establishment’s role in mainstream politics. The accountability process and laws should also equally apply to the judiciary and armed forces.

Cost of doing business:

The cost of doing business is extremely exorbitant as compared to neighbouring countries.  It must be brought down at par with these countries. This will have a positive effect on growth and exports.

Population:

We need to adopt urgent measures to control population explosion.

It must be brought down to 1.8% in next five years; otherwise, Pakistan will be a difficult place to live.

Education, health and infrastructure:

Special attention is required to improve, education, health and infrastructure. In the next five years, every child should be able to afford education.

Agriculture:

We must pay special attention to improve our agriculture and Agro-based Industry. The government must continue to subsidize various inputs for this sector with better governance and participation of peasants. We can increase by 60% our yield per acre which is incumbent to feed our rapidly growing population. Agriculture is our backbone and its growth is vital to the survival of a poor country like Pakistan.

All these measures will help the revival of economic growth, creation of jobs and raise the standard of livings of our people. Only supremacy of constitution/parliament and rapid economic development can ensure prosperous and strong Pakistan. How long an atomic power can sustain at this level of the economy.

The writer is a director on the Board of Kohinoor Mills Limited and can be reached at shehbazmunir@gmail.com

Published in Daily Times, April 21^st 2018.