Pakistan is likely to receive $1 billion as the second tranche of the $7bn Extended Fund Facility (EFF) before June. Reports indicate that the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) review acknowledges the government’s efforts to stay on the agreed stabilisation path.

While the IMF’s validation provides some economic comfort, lasting political stability in Pakistan remains elusive until promised economic gains materialise and translate into tangible relief for the public.

The majority of citizens, struggling under prolonged economic strain, cannot be expected to wait indefinitely for the benefits of what Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb calls a policy of “inclusive sustainable growth”. The government must urgently move beyond revenue generation and cost-cutting to implement proactive, people-centric policy interventions.

However, without evidence-based planning and a robust implementation strategy capable of shifting socioeconomic indicators to reflect real progress, this journey appears challenging, if not improbable.

“Mere high-sounding proclamations and initiatives such as ‘Uraan Pakistan’ won’t sway the public. They expect and deserve better, tangible results,” remarked an Islamabad-based analyst anonymously.

At least four consecutive governments have relied more on subjective assessments rather than actual insights into citizens’ needs,........

© Dawn Business