THE caretaker Prime Minister Anwar Haque Kakar in his first maiden speech (a reflection on Pakistan’s promising future), informed the members of his caretaker Cabinet about the challenges faced by this nation and how we as a nation can demonstrate our resolve to steer the nation towards the path of stability, prosperity and good governance. True, we are a capable nation who can revitalize its national endowments and energies in a manner that are intrinsically required to emerge as a stronger nation. Noteworthy, the strength of Pakistan cannot only be determined by the fact that we are a declared nuclear power state but allamdulilah we can also preserve and determine our national strength by considering other potential factors of great importance.
Our ideology and nationalist spirit: though ideology of Pakistan is based on Islam, but it is not wedded to the concept of a theocratic state. Rather, it envisages the principles of a democratic liberal state wherein the rights of the minorities are protected — endorsed by the sayings of Quaid-i-Aazam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. The nation shares the plight of the victims of Jaranwala incident (17 August).
The credo of the ideology of Pakistan lies in achieving the objectives of creating a prosperous and peaceful homeland for Muslims where they can safely practice their religion and lead their lives according to their customs and traditions. Basic principles of Pakistani state — are to project and preserve democracy, social justice, sense of responsibilities and human rights. The moorings of our state lie in its history, territory, deterrence and co-existence. Thus, freedom of the people of Kashmir from the Indian yoke remains the pivot of the ideology of Pakistan. .
Our natural, mineral resources. Pakistan is a blessed land where enormous natural resources are present and the location of the country is ideal that can be an economic hub for other neighbouring countries also to do trade as well as to use the resources of our land. Pakistan has an immense amount of resources such as coal, gas, gemstones, copper and gold reserves. Other resources also include oil, iron, titanium and aluminium which are a necessity for any growing economy. Coal is also named as “black gold” in the world and we have a large amount of Coal Reserves in Pakistan. Pakistan’s mineral reserves sprawl across 600,000 square kilometres. Among the 92 identified minerals, 52 are commercially mined, boasting an impressive annual production capacity of 68.52 MMT, according to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
The coal can also be transformed into Diesel and Gas. Coal Fields at Jehlum, Mach, Ziarat, Chamalang and Kingri are very significant resources. Additionally, huge projects are under construction in Pakistan where the natural resources are utilizing in the projects efficiently. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is one of its example where the coal, power plants, water, energy, etc. all are used to build this project. Gold Resources of Pakistan are real worth which also seduces foreign countries to its gold rich areas like Sandak and Reko-Dik Gold Mines in Balochistan which are famous for Gold and Copper. The state must foster a goal of contributing over five percent to the national GDP from its current share of less than one per cent. Pakistan’s natural deposits’ worth is estimated about $6 trillion.
Our human resources: Pakistan is the 5th most populated country in the world with an estimated population of over 207 million with labour force of 65.5 million and 10.8 million people working abroad. Pakistani people have been found very dexterous and expert in learning the needed things and technologies. The increasing proportion of Pakistan’s youth bulge with diversified capabilities would be supportive in achieving sustainable economic growth.
Pakistan has greatest demographic opportunities for development as growing youth population has entered its adulthood. Hence, creating enough jobs for a growing population, improve the quality and productivity of jobs and enhance access to jobs and economic opportunities for the youth, women and the disadvantaged, the government must take immediate steps to absorb the substantial number of young workers entering the labour force through various skill development projects.
We are one of the top militaries in the world: For 2023, Pakistan is ranked 7 of 145 out of the countries considered for the annual GFP review. As of 2021, estimations by national and international bodies were that approximately 651,800 people were on active duty in the three main services — Army, Navy and Air Force with an additional 291,000 serving in paramilitary forces and 550,000 in reserve. The Pakistan defence forces are a symbol of national integration, security, stability and the strongest bastion of defence. The heroic Battagram rescue operation launched on 22 August is the evidence of professional efficiency of Pak Army.
Economic parameters: Major sectors of Pakistan’s economy are Agriculture, Industrial and Services sector which contribute 19 per cent, 20 per cent and 61 per cent, respectively to the GDP. According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Atlas 2018, Pakistan is ranked 4th in cotton production, 5th in sugarcane while 8th and 10th in wheat and rice production, respectively. Taxation is the primary source of revenue for the government of Pakistan. It helps finance public services, infrastructure development and social welfare programs.
The collection of revenue taxes helps in raising the standard of living in a country. With a higher standard of living, businesses would be assured of higher domestic consumption, eventually resulting in the country’s economic growth. Pakistan’s consumer market is fastest growing as shown by teledensity which has now reached more than 161 million which is 77 percent of population. The establishment of the SIFC is a milestone in the history of Pakistan. To conclude, the caretaker government cannot take task of crafting long-term policies notwithstanding, it may act as a paragon model on which the coming government may act accordingly. And inshallah by the year 2030 and beyond, while following the path of economy of Asian tigers—Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan, Pakistan will emerge as a more stronger nation in the world.
—The writer, an independent ‘IR’ researcher-cum-international law analyst based in Pakistan, is member of European Consortium for Political Research Standing Group on IR, Critical Peace & Conflict Studies, also a member of Washington Foreign Law Society and European Society of International Law. He deals with the strategic and nuclear issues.
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