Pakistan needs private-sector input to shape growth policies, adviser says

Privatization Adviser Muhammad Ali has said Pakistan needs growth-oriented policies shaped through greater engagement with the private sector, universities and research institutions.

Speaking about the need for policy reforms, he said the government should consult businesses beyond Islamabad when formulating policies.

Why does Pakistan need private-sector input in policymaking?

Ali said business leaders often hold perspectives that differ from those of government officials.

Islamabad is not the country’s primary business hub, he said, with Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, Multan and Faisalabad the major centers of economic activity. Policymakers must still decide which proposals to adopt.

Why should universities and researchers join policy consultations?

Ali said consultations should extend beyond the business community to include universities, academics, researchers and think tanks. He said Pakistan’s academic institutions and research organizations remained disconnected from policymakers, which limited communication and weakened the role of research in government decisions.

He stressed that sound policymaking required greater reliance on research, analysis and consultation with relevant stakeholders. Differences of opinion, he added, should be addressed through rational debate rather than confrontation.

What role should the private sector play in Pakistan’s economy?

Ali called for a stronger focus on privatization and public-private partnerships, saying the private sector should play a leading role in driving economic development.

He said greater private-sector participation and economic reforms could help Pakistan realize its economic potential over the next 20 to 30 years.