Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
LAHORE: Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has emphasized that Pakistan’s economic growth is unattainable without the establishment of a fully functional democracy.
Speaking at a session titled “Can Economic Progress and Democracy Coexist?”, organized by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat) on Thursday, Abbasi reflected on the intrinsic link between democracy and sustainable economic development.
He dismissed comparisons with autocratic regimes that have seen economic success, noting that such countries possess a historical foundation of homogeneity and social discipline, factors that are absent in Pakistan.
He further criticized Pakistan’s political framework, stating, “Our autocrats want to be democrats and our democrats want to be autocrats,” a reflection of the country’s political contradictions.
Abbasi attributed the perceived economic successes of past autocratic regimes to an aid-driven environment rather than genuine growth. He argued that in today’s geopolitical climate, such aid-led growth is no longer feasible. Instead, he stressed, the economy must take precedence over security as the primary driver of national progress.
The session also featured insights from other distinguished speakers, including former caretaker federal minister for privatization Fawad Hasan Fawad, former federal minister for commerce Khurram Dastgir, and Interloop Ltd chief marketing officer Faryal Sadiq.
Fawad pointed out that while dictatorships might achieve economic growth, they fail in human development. He emphasized the need to reform the state’s operations by prioritizing efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
While advocating for privatization and deregulation in business sectors, he cautioned against their application in essential public services like health, education, and skills development.
Fawad also criticized Pakistan’s mismanagement of privatization, citing examples like Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Pakistan Railways, which continue to suffer due to limited oversight and transparency.
Khurram Dastgir highlighted Pakistan’s persistent economic challenges and lauded his party’s previous efforts in addressing terrorism and energy crises by 2013. He underscored the importance of democratic principles, including transparency and accountability, in overcoming economic hurdles.
Faryal Sadiq identified political instability and inconsistent policies as the primary impediments to economic activity. She stressed that the private sector’s potential for driving growth is heavily reliant on consistent governance and stability. Consensus-driven policymaking, she noted, is essential for fostering a business-friendly environment.
Earlier, Pildat President Ahmed Bilal Mehboob opened the session by lamenting the lack of focus on economic issues in Pakistan’s political discourse, which often prioritizes abstract political debates over tangible developmental challenges.
The session concluded with a collective consensus that democracy, stability, and sound policymaking are indispensable for Pakistan’s economic revival and long-term growth.
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