From The Express Tribune · DR MANZOOR AHMAD · · 1m 10s
Real problem is execution, not ideas
Pakistan's economic reforms face resistance but show cautious progress in AI, solar and trade.
In brief
Pakistan's economic reforms face resistance but show cautious progress in AI, solar and trade. Pakistan's real challenge is implementing policies despite decades of economic underperformance. Originally reported by The Express Tribune.
Harvard conference sparks debate
Pakistan's economy described as comatose for three decades by two economists.
“comatose”
Nobel laureate's warning
Weak institutions and low tax collection risk further marginalisation in ai era.
“comatose”
Professor Mian's critique
Pakistan lacks strategic vision to tackle elite capture and inclusive growth.
“lacks strategic vision”
Finance minister's response
Political economy constraints delayed reforms but implementation is accelerating.
“political economy constraints”
Tariff reforms progress
National tariff policy faces less resistance than anticipated in second year of implementation.
“five-year national tariff policy”
Taxation challenges
Tax-to-gdp ratio rose from 8.8% in fy2024 to 10.3% in fy2025.
“8.8% in fy2024”
Privatisation momentum
Pakistan international airlines and utility stores corporation sold to break union resistance.
“pakistan international airlines”
AI policy progress
Pakistan approved national ai policy in 2025 with it exports reaching $4.6 billion.
“national ai policy”
Solar energy success
Pakistan has 8000 mw solar capacity with renewable energy overtaking fossil fuels.
“8000 mw”
Here's the gist
Pakistan's real challenge is implementing policies despite decades of economic underperformance.
