# Real problem is execution, not ideas

> Pakistan's economic reforms face resistance but show cautious progress in AI, solar and trade.
- Title: Real problem is execution, not ideas · The Express Tribune
- Summary: Pakistan's economic reforms face resistance but show cautious progress in AI, solar and trade. Pakistan's real challenge is implementing policies despite…
- Keywords: pakistan, solar energy, trade liberalisation, taxation, privatisation, national tariff policy, finance minister, nobel laureate, harvard university, economic policy, news, Real
- Source: The Express Tribune — https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638145/real-problem-is-execution-not-ideas
- Author: DR MANZOOR AHMAD
- Published: 2026-11-01T21:51:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pakistan, ai, solar energy, trade liberalisation, taxation, privatisation, national tariff policy, finance minister, nobel laureate, harvard university, economic policy, news
## 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
## Key takeaway

Pakistan's real challenge is implementing policies despite decades of economic underperformance.