Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Signs of economic hope in Pakistan

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The economy may finally be turning a corner. Speaking at the ‘Pakistan Conference 2025’ held at Harvard University in the United States, Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb shared some positive updates about the country’s economic recovery. He said that despite past challenges, Pakistan had now reached an important stage where it had managed to stabilise the economy and restart growth.

While the World Bank recently lowered Pakistan’s growth forecast from 2.8 per cent to 2.7pc due to tough economic conditions, the country has made real progress, such as a 60-year low inflation rate of 0.7 pc, foreign exchange reserves that have doubled and a stronger rupee. Pakistan has a current account surplus of more than $1 billion in March 2025 and saw an increase in foreign investment by 44pc and IT exports by 24pc.

For the first time in 24 years, Pakistan registered a fiscal surplus, and remittances were expected to hit $38 billion. Credit rating agency Fitch also improved Pakistan’s rating to a stable outlook with a ‘B’ grade. The debt-to-GDP ratio has dropped from 75pc to 67.2pc and the government hoped to reduce it further. The privatisation of loss-making state institutions could save about 2% of GDP each year.

Looking ahead, the government should be attentive on digital banking, capital markets and green finance. Support from international organisations like the IMF and World Bank for tackling climate-related issues are also crucial.

This is time global investors and thinkers invited to Pakistan be part of Pakistan’s development. The country’s future would be shaped through bold reforms, investment in people, and strong economic planning. This message brings a sense of hope for a better future.


Time for restraint despite Indian diplomatic failure





After the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives in India-held Kashmir, the Modi government has mobolised its army along the Pakistan border and line of control. Pakistan has, however, shown restraint, giving a moment of choice to its neighbour. If the Modi government goes for war, it fall prey to its own rage. Sane elements in India are advocating peace, while Pakistan has offered an independent probe into the incident. While grief and anger are natural responses, the path forward must be guided by restraint, not retribution. Indians must know that while calls for military strikes, diplomatic isolation and economic warfare against Pakistan may play well to domestic audiences, they risk escalating tensions in a region already facing volatility.

The Indian civil society must read their government’s international standing as despite India’s repeated attempts, not a single country has offered condemnation against Pakistan so far. This absence of global support is not a diplomatic oversight but a quiet testament to Indian’s false flag history and Pakistan’s successful foreign policy posture in recent years. Pakistan is a responsible stakeholder in regional security, with constructive roles in Afghanistan peace talks, climate discussions, and growing relations with powers like China, Russia, and key Gulf states.

The world is not blind to the dangers of militaristic adventurism. It understands that punitive strikes, cyber offensives, or naval blockades could quickly spiral into a broader conflict with grave consequences for South Asia and beyond. Moreover, recent international experience — from Ukraine to Gaza — reminds us that war, even in the name of counterterrorism, rarely brings sustainable peace. It is here that Pakistan has consistently called for dialogue, regional cooperation, and adherence to international norms — appeals that deserve to be acknowledged rather than dismissed.

Any kneejerk military response by India risks playing directly into the hands of extremists who seek to sow discord and derail peace efforts in Kashmir. Escalation will only deepen communal polarisation within India, alienate Kashmiri youth, and damage the very idea of a pluralistic India that New Delhi claims to defend.

Pakistan has repeatedly condemned terrorism and has suffered immensely at the hands of it. Instead of threats and strikes, India must return to diplomacy, intelligence cooperation and confidence-building. India's greatness will not be proven by the force of its arsenal, but by the strength of its democratic values, including its capacity for restraint in the face of provocation. Peace, not posturing, is the only enduring answer.


Sunday, August 27, 2023

پٹرول 500 روپے لیٹر ایندھن کے بحران کو حل کر سکتا ہے۔ نگراں حکومت بجلی ک...

In TV TODAT's talk show, I spoke about the ruthless consumption of petrol by the public, and how we can resolve inflated power bills. Moreover, the return of Aitzaz Ahsan to the mainstream PPP was also discussed. Please watch and give your feedback.

Monday, August 14, 2023

ہمیں کاکڑ صاحب کے استقبال اور مبارکباد کے لیے بے تاب نہیں ہونا چاہیے۔ اگر اس نے وقت پر انتخابات کرائے تو ہم اسے تالیاں بجائیں گے۔

ہمیں کاکڑ صاحب کے استقبال اور مبارکباد کے لیے بے تاب نہیں ہونا چاہیے۔ اگر اس نے وقت پر انتخابات کرائے تو ہم اسے تالیاں بجائیں گے۔

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Friday, July 28, 2023

Caretaker setup for poll is bad idea; this was only PML-N's idea. No dem...


My views on a TV talk show: The caretaker setup for the poll is a bad idea; this was only PML-N's idea. No democracy in the world installs such arrangements for elections.