Pakistan Export Roadmap Urged to Revive Manufacturing and Growth
Pakistan needs a clear Pakistan export roadmap to revive growth. Experts shared this view at a panel during the Karachi Literature Festival. They stressed the need to boost manufacturing and exports.
Muhammad Ali, adviser on privatization, spoke at the event. He said powerful sectors often influence policy decisions. However, this trend weakens fair competition and long term planning. He warned that many multinational firms are leaving Pakistan. At the same time, salaried workers face high taxes. As a result, public frustration continues to grow. Electricity costs also remain a serious concern. Consumers pay over Rs40 per unit, he noted. However, production costs are close to Rs10 per unit.
Ali blamed heavy government involvement in many sectors. He argued that the state should reduce its direct role. Instead, it should create a fair and open market.
Need for Structural and Fiscal Reforms
Speakers also called for better governance. They urged provinces to generate their own resources.
In addition, they advised cutting unnecessary spending. Ali claimed corruption eats up major development funds. He said up to 30 percent may be lost. Therefore, stronger oversight is urgently needed. He also questioned the current constitutional structure. According to him, reforms are needed to support growth.
Outdated Exports Limit Growth
Former finance minister Asad Umar shared another concern. He said Pakistan exports outdated products. For example, the country still relies on basic textiles. He added that Pakistan does not produce top goods imported by China. Therefore, export growth remains limited.
He urged industries to shift toward modern products.
Agriculture and Education as Key Drivers
Dr Ishrat Hussain highlighted the agriculture sector. He said it could generate $10 billion in exports yearly. As a result, the current account could turn into surplus. He urged investment in small farmers. They have strong potential to raise yields. In addition, better support could boost rural incomes. Pakistan Business Council chair Zeelaf Munir shared another concern.
She said growth has stayed low for three decades. Therefore, per capita income trails regional peers.
Moderator Muhammad Azfar Ahsan stressed the role of education. He said learning drives long term success. He also supported restoring local governments.
