The bull case for Pakistan

Why, despite all the negativity, the fundamentals of the country's economy are about to hit a positive tipping point, followed most likely by a multi-decade boom

If you read about Pakistan’s economy, you have probably – at some point – felt some optimism about Pakistan’s prospects as a country. Just as equally likely, you have probably felt that optimism fading away some time over the past 2-3 years, if not even earlier. It is our contention that you were not wrong to feel that optimism. You saw something real. And it is still there.

This article is not a pie-in-the-sky optimistic view of Pakistan that believes in stupid things like “if the government were to solve these problems, we would be prosperous.” No, our view of Pakistan’s economy is that for it to be successful, the ingredients that make it successful need to be idiot-proof. Because the only logical assumption is that Pakistan will continue to be run by idiots for decades to come.

What we describe below, therefore, is a view of Pakistan’s economy that does not expect the government of Pakistan to do anything to help the economy at all. Indeed, we go so far as to assume that the government of Pakistan will continue its destructive ways and that the growth we describe will simply have to make room for that destructive behaviour.

Luxuries like “political stability” and “a conducive environment for foreign investors” are not factors we will be listing in our bull case for the Pakistani economy.

 

To read the full article, subscribe and support independent business journalism in Pakistan

The content in this publication is expensive to produce. But unlike other journalistic outfits, business publications have to cover the very organizations that directly give them advertisements. Hence, this large source of revenue, which is the lifeblood of other media houses, is severely compromised on account of Profit’s no-compromise policy when it comes to our reporting. No wonder, Profit has lost multiple ad deals, worth tens of millions of rupees, due to stories that held big businesses to account.

Hence, for our work to continue unfettered, it must be supported by discerning readers who know the value of quality business journalism, not just for the economy but for the society as a whole.

(Already a subscriber? Click here to login)
  • Full Price Subscription Plans

    Not only will you be supporting independent journalism, 25% of the amount from your subscription will be used to subsidise those subscribers who cannot afford the full price of the subscription. Yearly full price subscription plans also include a complimentary annual subscription to The Wall Street Journal.

    +

  • Subsidised Subscription Plans

    Pay part of the full subscription price, if you cannot afford to pay all of it, and the rest will be subsidised by a full paying subscriber.

  • Free Student Subscriptions

    If you are currently a student, you can claim an already-paid-for digital subscription, courtesy

     

 

Farooq Tirmizi
Farooq Tirmizi
The writer was previously, managing editor, Profit Magazine. He can be reached at [email protected]

2 COMMENTS

  1. I followed your all 04 pieces. Very insightful and I agree with conclusions. Pakistan will be a major economy by 2050. this presents an opportunity

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Popular Posts