Pakistan’s Economic Challenges and Opportunities Discussed at High-Level Webinar

ISLAMABAD: Alliance News: The leading economists, policymakers, and financial experts emphasized the importance of structural reforms, good governance, and long-term economic policies as key factors for Pakistan’s economic growth.

They gathered for a high-profile webinar titled Future Economy: Challenges and Opportunities for Pakistan organized by Alliance Good Governance Foundation.

The event delved into the country’s evolving economic landscape, highlighting the key challenges Pakistan faces and exploring opportunities for growth and development.

During the discussion, experts shared innovative strategies to improve economic resilience, attract investments, and tackle critical issues such as inflation, unemployment, and the need for fiscal reforms.

The webinar offered valuable insights into achieving sustainable economic progress and enhancing Pakistan’s position in the global market. The consensus was clear: structural reforms and sound governance are essential for a prosperous future.

The webinar moderated by seasoned journalists Shabbir Hussain and Husna Khattak, the webinar featured insightful discussions on economic resilience, financial policies, digital transformation, and regulatory frameworks that could drive Pakistan’s progress.

Addressing Pakistan’s Economic Challenges

Opening the discussion, Dr. Noor Fatima, Chairperson of International Relations & Political Science at IIUI, highlighted the structural weaknesses in Pakistan’s economy.

“Pakistan continues to struggle with inflation, unemployment, and external debt. Without a strategic economic framework, sustainable growth will remain elusive,” she stated.

Dr. Noor Fatima emphasized the need for policy reforms and increased global cooperation to stabilize the economy.

Renowned financial strategist Babar Aziz Mirza, a PhD scholar with three decades of experience in global banking, pointed to the inefficiencies in financial management.

“One of our biggest hurdles is the misallocation of resources and lack of fiscal discipline,” Mirza remarked.

He stressed the importance of institutional transparency and regulatory oversight to curb financial mismanagement.

Another economist and legal expert Hammad Ejaz Khan discussed Pakistan’s regulatory landscape, particularly in combating financial crimes.

“Weak enforcement of anti-money laundering policies and unchecked corruption significantly impact investor confidence,” Khan explained. He called for stringent legal reforms to address these issues and ensure a more stable financial system.

Opportunities for Economic Growth

Despite the challenges, panelists also explored the immense potential for Pakistan’s economic growth. Commerce and IT expert Zawar Mohiuddin highlighted the role of digital transformation in economic resilience.

“Pakistan’s digital economy is an untapped goldmine. With proper investments in IT infrastructure and e-commerce, we can create jobs and attract foreign investment,” he noted.

Mohiuddin stressed the importance of a robust policy framework to support innovation and technology-driven economic progress.

Dr. Tahir Alam Khattak, an expert in Islamic finance, underscored the significance of financial inclusion through Islamic banking.

“With an increasing number of consumers leaning towards interest-free banking, Pakistan has a great opportunity to expand its Islamic finance sector, which can serve as an alternative for sustainable economic growth,” he suggested.

Public Health and Economic Stability

Senior journalist M. Riaz Thaheem drew attention to the economic implications of public health issues.

“Healthcare and economic policies are deeply intertwined. A weak healthcare system directly affects workforce productivity and, in turn, economic output,” Thaheem remarked.

Former MNA and healthcare leader Dr. Samina Matloob echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of investing in public health. “The lack of accessible healthcare services leads to increased financial burdens on households, impacting consumer spending and economic stability,” she stated.

Similarly, Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary of the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), highlighted the economic impact of rising non-communicable diseases.

“A healthier workforce is a more productive workforce. Preventive healthcare policies should be prioritized to reduce long-term economic strains,” he urged.

Policy Recommendations and Future Directions

Former MNA and Director General of Health Punjab, Nisar Cheema, stressed the need for a collaborative approach between policymakers, economists, and health experts. “Economic policies should not be developed in isolation.

A holistic approach that integrates financial stability, health, and education is essential for sustainable growth,” he argued.

During the interactive Q&A session, participants engaged with panelists on pressing economic concerns, including Pakistan’s debt crisis, tax reforms, and the role of international financial institutions in stabilizing the country’s economy.

The audience was encouraged to share insights and raise questions on various aspects of economic planning and policy implementation.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Concluding the session, Dr. Tariq Khan, Convener of Alliance, expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers and attendees.

“This discussion has provided valuable perspectives on how Pakistan can navigate its economic challenges while seizing emerging opportunities. We hope these insights will contribute to meaningful policy reforms and strategic initiatives,” he remarked.

The event served as a crucial platform for thought leaders to deliberate on Pakistan’s economic future, highlighting both pressing challenges and promising opportunities.

With expert recommendations on financial management, digital transformation, regulatory policies, and public health, the webinar underscored the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure long-term economic sustainability.