Pakistan’s population in 2030 is estimated to hit upward of 250 million, an increase of 14% from today’s population; and a seven-fold increase from the 30 million in 1950. In its wake, it brings complex challenges, with unprecedented magnitudes. The rising population, depleting resources, inadequate infrastructure and lack of human development policies have one thing in common, i.e. mismanagement by consecutive governments.
2021 brings the dawn of a new decade for the country, and throughout the year, we will look at requisite policies needed in different fields for the country to accelerate progress by 2030. Our January 2021 issue includes experts’ opinions on the country’s agenda for the next decade, in several primary fields, starting with its domestic arena, foreign policy challenges, governance and the economy.
Read more: Dr Rasul Baksh Rais: Where is Pakistani politics going in next decade-2030
Nasim Zehra, a prominent TV anchor, lays the ground on what’s needed in the domestic political arena arguing that tumbling political blocks must settle so that the country can create a consensual framework to work on the fundamentals. Representatives from the three major political parties, i.e. Asad Umer, Andleeb Abbas, Khurram Dastgir Khan and Murtaza Wahab envisage the next decade and share their brief thoughts along with Dr Rasul Bakhsh Rais, Pakistan’s prominent political scientist.
Read more: Asad Umar: What he wants to see in Pakistan by 2030
More extended versions of their ideas are available at GVS online via the QR code where given. On the strategic front, we have Pakistan’s foreign policy sage Ambassador Munir Akram lay out the groundwork for Pakistan’s challenges and opportunities in the next decade.
Read more: Ambassador Munir Akram: Pakistan’s Foreign Policy – Emerging Challenges and Opportunities
This edition further conveys valuable thoughts from former foreign secretaries, Ambassador Riaz Khokhar and Ambassador Salman Bashir, and Gen Amjad Shoaib. Do read their full arguments at GVS online via the QR code given.
Read more: Pakistan Strategic Opportunities & Challenges to 2030: Gen Amjad Shoaib
According to the World Bank Institute’s Worldwide Governance Indicators, Pakistan ranks among the bottom one-fifth of over 200 countries in terms of governance. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob is the go-to man on governance, and he has been kind enough to share his thoughts on how Pakistan needs to work on in this area.
Read more: Challenges of Governance in the New Decade
Once the country’s information czar and former Information Secretary, Anwar Mehmood talks about the media’s liberalisation and recounts how these changes were made and what they have achieved.
Read more: Pakistani Media: Freedom of Expression or Chaos Mongers
Not least we have included a section on the country’s economy and business – given its complex and diverse problems. The agenda for a prosperous Pakistan by 2030 is laid out by the former Planning commission chairman and current vice-chair for PIDE Nadeem Haque and Shahid Sattar – former member Planning Commission and currently Executive Director APTMA. Ghias Khan, CEO Engro Corporation, one of Pakistan’s largest companies, shares his views on business needs and where governments’ focus should be.
Read more: Banking Vision for Pakistan’s Next Decade
CEO JS Bank, Basir Shamsie, explains how a new banking vision incorporates digital economy. Gohar Ejaz former chairman APTMA describes the latest digital marketing strategy as crucial for Pakistan’s textile sector. These are just some of the articles – there are many others offering insights into where Pakistan is headed in 2030. Please do share your thoughts with us on this crucially important decade for the country at editor@globalvillagespace.com