"Pakistan: The Status Quo Prevails, or Time for Something Completely Different? Part One: The Economy & Governance", Emma Hooper

Pakistan: The Status Quo Prevails, or Time for Something Completely Different? Part One: The Economy & Governance

- Whatever the outcomes of Pakistan’s upcoming elections in 2013, the country and its rulers face a number of critical challenges. These include a stagnant economy in deterioration since 2007, with a population growing at 1.6% (and currently approximately 180 million), poor economic indicators, and a growing disparity between rich and poor; and good (or at least improved) governance. - The question of how to maximise the opportunities inherent in the potential opening up of trade with India, beyond the short term alone, and how to prevent the hawks on both sides of the border from weakening trade agreements to prevent them reaching their full potential, presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Whilst initial indications are positive, will the current government or its successor be up to steering this delicate path? - Addressing the issues of poor management of energy supply, and inefficient public sector enterprises could yield economic dividends. However, unless they are supported by improved governance, the benefits will be limited or absent.

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Dr. Emma Hooper, Senior Research Fellow Associate, CIDOB

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