Punjab GDP

Punjab government’s Minister for Finance asserts Punjab’s GDP is higher than that of many regional countries

All focus on infrastructure development and economy centres around Punjab because, of course, our current prime minister calls the province home. History shows that depending on which province the party in power belongs to, that province reaps the most benefit, visibly seen through improved road infrastructure and other urban development projects within the relevant city. In its latest publicity stunt, the Punjab government’s Minister for Finance Ayesha Ghaus Pasha asserted that Punjab’s gross domestic product is higher than that of many regional countries. This was stated at the Pak-Italy Trade Forum, held for the purpose of promoting business between Pakistan and Italy. However, with the exchange featuring discussion mostly on Punjab’s business prospects, one might infer that the forum was really to promote business between Punjab and Italy.

The assertion by the minister is a bit superficial. At a forum to promote business contacts between Pakistan and Italy, the focus should be on Pakistan’s GDP and promoting trade prospects in the entire country. Prime Minister Sharif’s government should endeavour to expand the road networks, inviting economic policies, and skilled manpower found in Punjab to other provinces. Thus far, Punjab has been selfish. In reality, Pakistan’s overall GDP, currently projected to be between five and six per cent, has ranked quite low in the South Asian, Asian, and Pacific regions in the past; even war-torn Afghanistan has held a higher GDP than Pakistan — so the minister’s euphoric words should at least acknowledge the country’s struggles. Furthermore, the sizes of regional countries need to be compared and the fitness of economies assessed via GDP per capita, which will take into account the population sizes of the countries and the stress on resources — if we can assume that the purpose of growth is to benefit the population, especially those living below the poverty line, and not for the government itself to pocket the growth numbers. While it is supported that trade with foreign entities be promoted in Pakistan’s provinces, each province’s potential should be recognised. For a developing country, it is particularly relevant to shine the bigger spotlight on provinces that are struggling the most.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2016.

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