Chairman of the Economic Policy and Business Development think tank and former caretaker federal minister, Gohar Ejaz, has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for Pakistan’s economic revival, stressing that sustainable growth cannot be achieved through new borrowing or rescheduling of old debts.
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Talking about the plan, Ejaz said that loans only provide temporary relief and cannot serve as a foundation for long-term prosperity. “Borrowing is like putting an economy in the ICU on ventilator support. It does not cure the underlying illness,” he remarked.
He emphasized that true economic success lies in boosting trade, investment, and industrial activity, which are the real engines of growth. Ejaz expressed confidence that Pakistan has the potential to become the fifth largest economy in the world, pointing out that the country already ranks fifth globally in terms of population size.
“To achieve prosperity, Pakistan must create a business-friendly environment and provide its industries with a level playing field, comparable to regional competitors,” he noted.
Building on this vision, Ejaz called for a strategic shift from debt-based to export-led growth. He proposed a “Made in Pakistan” initiative, designed to boost industrial production and increase the country’s export potential. This initiative, he explained, would focus on creating a supportive ecosystem for local manufacturers, including tax incentives, access to affordable energy, and streamlined regulatory processes.
By empowering domestic industries, Ejaz believes Pakistan can not only meet local demand but also capture a significant share of the global market. “Our focus must be on earning, not borrowing,” he concluded, highlighting that a strong export base is the only way to build a resilient and prosperous future for the nation.