We are highlighting five pivotal areas where missteps in Pakistan’s history, if corrected, could have transformed country’s economic fortunes today. By revisiting and rethinking decisions related to education, land reform, debt reliance, industrialization, and political stability, Pakistan can carve a path toward sustainable growth and a brighter future for its people.

1. Land Reform and Agricultural Policy

• Issue: Pakistan’s failure to implement meaningful land reforms has resulted in a feudal system where a small number of landowners control vast agricultural lands. This has led to inequality, inefficiency, and poor agricultural productivity.
• Reversal: Implementing comprehensive land reforms to ensure equitable distribution of land, improve agricultural techniques, and empower small farmers would significantly boost Pakistan’s agricultural output, reduce poverty, and contribute to rural development.

2. Overreliance on External Debt

• Issue: Since the 1970s, Pakistan has relied heavily on foreign loans, leading to a growing debt burden. This approach has limited fiscal flexibility, made Pakistan dependent on international institutions like the IMF, and hindered sustainable development.
• Reversal: Shifting from debt-driven growth to developing robust domestic industries, broadening the tax base, and investing in local businesses would strengthen economic sovereignty, reduce inflationary pressures, and foster self-reliance.

3. Neglect of Industrialization and Manufacturing

• Issue: Pakistan has historically underdeveloped its manufacturing sector, leading to an economy reliant on imports rather than producing goods domestically. This imbalance has contributed to trade deficits and limited economic diversification.
• Reversal: Reviving and expanding the manufacturing sector, encouraging local production, and promoting industrialization would create jobs, reduce reliance on imports, improve the trade balance, and stimulate economic growth.

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4. Political Instability and Military Interventions

• Issue: Frequent political instability, including military coups and interventions in civilian government, has hindered long-term economic planning and development. This constant instability has deterred foreign investment and disrupted economic reforms.
• Reversal: Ensuring political stability and strengthening democratic institutions would enable consistent policymaking, enhance investor confidence, and create an environment conducive to long-term economic growth.

5. Failure to Invest in Education and Human Capital Development

• Issue: From its inception, Pakistan has neglected to adequately invest in education and human capital development. This has led to low literacy rates, poor quality of education, and a lack of skilled professionals, hindering innovation and economic progress.
• Reversal: Prioritizing education by increasing funding, improving infrastructure, training teachers, and focusing on science, technology, and vocational skills would empower the workforce, drive innovation, and significantly boost economic growth and social mobility.

In terms of percentage out of school children, 39% of children of school going age are out of school. Balochistan (65%) has the highest percentage of out of school children as a proportion of its school going age children, whereas ICT has the lowest. Among the four major provinces, KPK (30%) has the lowest percentage of out of school children as proportion of its school going age population.

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