KARACHI: The Karachi Citizens Forum organized a seminar on Friday, 17th June 2022 on the topic “The Way Out of Pakistan’s Present Unprecedented Socio, Political, Economic Crises”.

We are fortunate that we have in our forum today experts former Justice Sarmad Osmany, former judge, The Supreme Court of Pakistan, Dr Shahid Hasan Siddiqui, renowned economist M A Jabbar, Vice President, FPCCI, Mazhar Abbas, senior political analyst, Nasir Mansoor, General Secretary, National Trade Union Federation Pakistan, Anwar Mumtaz Kashif, tax expert, Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan, Naheed Memon CEO of Oracle Power & Former Chairman of the Sindh Board of Investment, who can give their considered advice to help Pakistan’s present state of alarming crises.

The focus was given on the actions that government should take as a way out of Pakistan’s present unprecedented socio, political, economic crises.

Broadening tax base is perhaps the most significant economic necessity. After 70 years of existence, the country has less than two million income tax filers, one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in the world, and a tax system which riddled with inequity and corruption.

Ending corruption; the more corrupt the country the less possibility of broaden the tax base, to include feudal lords, agriculture, and bureaucracy.

Subsidies and government support to contain desperate acts of a hapless and helpless population.

The share of investment to GDP remains minimal at 15%, about half of the South Asian average at 30% and one of the lowest in the world. This must improve enough infrastructure must be built, both for industrial growth and human capital development…road and transport infrastructure, a sufficient levels of energy and water, quality schools, and hospitals are a must.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022