There is a dire need that we build ourselves as a fast-growing economy
LAHORE: Actions speak louder than words. In Pakistan’s current scenario of development, the revival of the economy, job creation, curbing terrorism and militancy, there is growing interest by foreign companies to vigorously eyeball Pakistan for investments and above all, proffer a peaceful and investment-conducive environment in the country. The world still perceives Pakistan in a negative and unjustified manner, however. It is true that the government is facing corruption allegations in the Supreme Court and critics leave no stone unturned to slam the government in their self-created styles, but the recent breakthroughs are laudable. The inception of a new development era with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the accomplishment of 12 energy projects by 2017-18, the emergence of Pakistan as the fastest growing Muslim economy by 2017, positive body language of foreign and international companies to invest in Pakistan, more than two million job prospects with CPEC, dramatic cutback in terror activities, curtailing energy crisis issues, scaling down poverty to record numbers compared with past years, encouraging remarks by the chief executive officer of a major online retailer and his commitment to promote Pakistan’s e-commerce market and recently, the powerful initiative by the Chinese founder of a major business-to-business website to invest in Pakistan’s technology sector are a few successful feats that the current government should be fairly credited for.
The government and authoritative bodies must dispatch the funds accordingly and warmly welcome international firms to kick-start their operations and services in the country. There is a dire need that we build ourselves as a fast-growing economy, a peaceful nation with people that believe in growing constantly. By focusing on our IT sector, employment opportunities will be high and it will come in handy to offer financial independence to all age groups. Our government, the planning ministry, and other relevant departments have to step forward, promise security to investors, bring life to the struggling economy and support Pakistan to become a country that appeals to every international company for investment.
Mubbashar Riaz
Published in The Express Tribune, January 21st, 2017.
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