KARACHI: Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail called for systemic changes in Pakistan’s economic policies, claiming that no political or military leader can save country from current crisis until significant changes are made. Speaking at ‘Reimagining Pakistan’ seminar held at Habib University here, Ismail expressed concerns over high levels of debt and inflation and urged consensus on economic strategy.

He highlighted issues of low literacy and poverty, stating that economy would not perform if half population remains illiterate. Ismail was speaking alongside PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi aide to former PM Nawaz Sharif Fawad Hasan Fawad, former PPP leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and former Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani, and others at ‘Reimagining Pakistan’ seminar.

Ismail, Abbasi, Khokhar, and Raisani have been holding series of nationwide seminars to develop consensus on future course of action required to bring Pakistan out of ongoing crisis. Ismail shared his ‘10 pillars’ for development. His first suggested pillar was ‘one nation’-need for building coalition for growth in which elite would contribute to economy by supporting middle and lower classes.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 13 2023

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