By Qamar Bashir
In an interactive session organized by the Chinese embassy, Mr. Victor Zhikai Gao, Vice President of Centre for China and Globalization CCG,on Nov.13, outlined a Chinese recipe for Pakistan’s fast-track development. He advocated six factors which according to Chinese experience are pivotal for making fast track development for Pakistan.
The first factor which he termed as a bedrock of fast track development was the stability which encompasses political, financial, economic, and social aspects. The stability he said was paramount for attracting investors and fostering economic growth. While highlighting, Mr. Gao cited his own experience of encountering numerous checkpoints from landing at Islamabad airport to the Chinese embassy, signaling instability. He urged Pakistani leadership to prioritize stability in all facets of national business, as it is a key indicator of a country’s attractiveness to foreign investors and traders.
Stability, characterized by calm, order, and security is an all encompassing word. It signifies political coherence, indicating an effective government and absence of major political crises, economic steadiness with low inflation and sustained growth, social harmony fostering cohesion among diverse populations, security maintained through the rule of law, and diplomatic stability in international relations.
Pakistan grapples with a myriad of challenges that impede its ability to enjoy stability. Persistent security threats, including terrorism and cross-border insurgencies, coupled with ongoing regional conflicts, particularly the Kashmir issue and the instability in Afghanistan, contribute to a fragile security environment. Economic disparities, high levels of poverty, unemployment, and corruption further strain social cohesion. Political instability, frequent changes in government, and governance issues disrupt policy continuity, fostering an atmosphere of uncertainty. Ethnic and sectarian tensions, along with historical and geopolitical rivalries, particularly with India, add complexity to the country's internal and regional dynamics. Environmental challenges, water scarcity, and the role of non-state actors further compound the multifaceted nature of Pakistan’s
stability issues.
Addressing these interconnected factors necessitates a holistic approach,
encompassing political stability, social and economic development, diplomatic
resolutions to regional conflicts, and effective counter-terrorism measures.
The next factor he outlined was peace, which was indeed very important. A
country is at peace which it is "Peace, whether within a nation or in its interactions
with the global community, embodies a state of tranquility and cooperation.
Internally, it signifies the absence of civil unrest and conflicts, with effective
governance, respect for human rights, and social harmony prevailing. Externally, a
peaceful country engages in diplomatic and economic relations without resorting to
military aggression, adhering to international laws and norms. It actively
contributes to global cooperation, addressing issues through dialogue and
negotiation rather than force.
Pakistan faces persistent challenges in achieving peace, both internally and in its
external relations. Domestically, the country grapples with internal security
concerns, including terrorism and insurgencies. Regionally, the longstanding
Kashmir conflict with India remains a source of tension and military
confrontations. The situation in neighboring Afghanistan further complicates
Pakistan's security landscape, with cross-border movements of militants and
refugee issues. Water disputes, economic challenges, and geopolitical factors also
contribute to the complexity of achieving peace.
Addressing these multifaceted issues demands a holistic approach, encompassing
effective governance, social harmony initiatives, and diplomatic efforts to resolve
regional conflicts. It requires a concerted effort to foster stability, both
domestically and internationally, for the collective well-being of Pakistan and its
standing on the global stage.
The third factor he outlined was development. Economic development serves as a
key indicator of a nation's well-being, reflecting the improvement of living
standards, poverty reduction, and increased access to essential services such as
education and healthcare. The development fosters stability and security within a
nation, correlates with advancements in science, technology, and innovation. A
developed country is better equipped to address environmental challenges and
contribute to sustainable practices. Development enhances a country's soft power.
A developed nation is more likely to be an active participant in international
collaborations and organizations.
Pakistan's struggle to achieve sustained development is rooted in a complex
interplay of political, economic, and social challenges. Frequent political
instability, governance issues marred by corruption, and security concerns,
including terrorism and regional conflicts, have diverted resources away from
development initiatives. Economic inequality, inadequate education, and
infrastructure deficits further impede progress. The water scarcity crisis, rapid
population growth, and dependence on agriculture exacerbate the strain on
resources. Ongoing regional tensions and geopolitical factors add complexities to
Pakistan's development landscape.
Addressing these multifaceted challenges demands a comprehensive and sustained
approach, encompassing political stability, anti-corruption measures, strategic
investments in education and healthcare, infrastructure development, and regional
diplomacy.
The Fourth factor outlined by Mr. Gao was a Hard Work which is a foundational
element for fostering the development of a robust nation. Serving as the engine of
economic growth, it propels productivity and innovation, contributing to the
nation's economic strength. Beyond economic realms, hard work cultivates a
culture of responsibility, discipline, and resilience, crucial for building a self-
reliant society. This strong work ethic is indispensable for achieving long-term
developmental goals in various fields, including science, technology, education,
and infrastructure, ensuring the nation remains at the forefront of progress.
Moreover, it plays a vital role in enhancing human capital, fostering adaptability
and competitiveness globally.
Pakistan grapples with a myriad of systematic, political, and governance
challenges that hinder the cultivation of a culture of hard work and impede swift
development. Persistent political instability, marked by frequent changes in
government and military interventions, leads to policy discontinuity and obstructs
the implementation of long-term development plans. Rampant corruption across
various levels of society erodes trust in institutions, resulting in the misallocation
of resources and hampering effective development initiatives. Ongoing security
concerns, economic inequality, issues in the education system, infrastructure
deficits, water scarcity, political patronage, and global economic challenges further
contribute to the impediments. Their implementation requires political stability,
anti-corruption measures, education reforms, infrastructure development, and
policies incentivizing hard work and innovation to propel Pakistan towards rapid
and sustainable development.
The next factor which was essential for development in line with Chinese
experience was the strategic generation, storage, manipulation, and utilization of
big data, complemented by advanced algorithms. By delving into extensive
datasets, policymakers gain profound insights into economic, societal, and
governance dynamics, enabling well-informed decision-making. The incorporation
of data-driven algorithms not only automates processes, reducing costs and
boosting efficiency across sectors like healthcare and manufacturing but also
identifies avenues for targeted improvement and innovation. Moreover, the
transparency facilitated by big data enhances accountability and good governance,
fostering an environment conducive to sustainable development.
For Pakistan to advance in this realm, strategic investments in IT infrastructure,
particularly in cloud computing, are imperative. Focusing on comprehensive skill
development in data science and artificial intelligence is crucial, necessitating
educational programs and training initiatives. Government initiatives should
prioritize policies promoting data-driven decision-making, coupled with robust
data governance frameworks. Encouraging public-private partnerships, particularly
collaborations between government, academia, and the private sector, can expedite
innovation. Implementing stringent data privacy laws, security measures, and
fostering open data initiatives are key to building public trust. Investing in research
and development, both domestically and through international collaborations, will
uncover novel applications of big data in sectors like healthcare and agriculture.
Additionally, promoting innovation ecosystems, supporting startups in the data
space, and fostering a culture of data literacy will collectively position Pakistan to
harness the transformative potential of big data for sustainable development and
innovation.
The last ingredient of Chinese recipe to make fasttrack development was to bring
Artificial intelligence in all facets of life. AI, encompassing machine learning and
advanced data analytics, enhances efficiency by automating tasks, fostering
innovation, and driving economic growth. It empowers decision-makers with data-
driven insights, optimizing governance and strategic planning. AI-driven
advancements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure optimization contribute
to improved societal well-being and sustainability. Embracing AI not only bolsters
global competitiveness but also generates new employment opportunities. To fully
leverage these advantages, countries should invest in AI research, prioritize
education in AI-related fields, and establish ethical frameworks, ensuring
responsible and strategic AI adoption for rapid, sustainable development.
To propel the development and utilization of artificial technology within the
national discourse, Pakistan must adopt a multifaceted approach. This involves
substantial investment in research and development, creating educational pathways
for AI-related skills, fostering public-private partnerships, and establishing a robust
regulatory framework to ensure ethical AI use. Infrastructure enhancement,
government initiatives, international collaborations, and support for AI-focused
startups are crucial elements for success. Integrating AI applications into public
services, promoting awareness and inclusivity, implementing strong data
governance, and maintaining a continuous evaluation and adaptation cycle are
essential steps. By prioritizing these strategies, Pakistan can lay the foundation for
a thriving AI ecosystem, driving innovation, economic growth, and sustainable
development across various sectors of national significance.
In charting a course toward fast-track development, Pakistan must heed the
comprehensive counsel offered by the Chinese expert. Stability, signifying
political, financial, and economic equilibrium, stands as the bedrock upon which
investors and businesses hinge their confidence. Peace, both domestically and
internationally, emerges as a linchpin for sustained growth, emphasizing
cooperation over conflict. Development, encompassing economic prosperity,
technological advancement, and social well-being, marks the trajectory toward
global prominence. Hard work, ingrained in the ethos of citizens and governance
alike, propels the nation forward, fostering resilience and innovation. The strategic
harnessing of big data and artificial intelligence emerges as a transformative force,
catapulting Pakistan into a realm of informed decision-making, efficiency, and
global competitiveness. Collectively, these elements form a potent recipe, urging
Pakistan to cultivate stability, embrace peace, foster development, champion hard
work, and harness cutting-edge technologies to unlock the full spectrum of its
potential, ushering in an era of rapid and sustainable progress on the global stage.
