KARACHI: In a world brimming with challenges and opportunities, Pakistan stands as a resurgent beacon of hope, resilience, and strategic foresight. The resounding victory of Operation Bunyan Marsoos (OBM) – a defining moment that underscored the unwavering resolve and patriotism of Pakistan’s armed forces – has not only solidified the country’s security frontiers but has also ignited a fresh wave of confidence in its economic prospects. It is this very spirit of unity, discipline, and excellence that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s government is now channelling into transforming Pakistan’s economic landscape.
The Shehbaz-led government has signaled a new dawn for Pakistan’s economy, driven by a clear-sighted focus on placing the right people in the right jobs and leveraging the expertise of economic professionals. In a world where nations harness the power of economic planners and professionals to navigate financial storms, Pakistan is finally charting the right course. Gone are the days when economic decisions were left in the hands of those untrained for the task. Today, Pakistan is determined to entrust its future to those best equipped to steward it.
This pivot is already yielding dividends. Global financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have recognised Pakistan’s reform momentum and lauded the country’s renewed sense of purpose. During her recent two-day visit to Pakistan, World Bank Managing Director for Operations, Anna Bjerde, not only praised the government’s ambitious reform agenda but also highlighted the importance of continuity and sustained implementation. In her meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior ministers, Mrs. Bjerde reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s comprehensive economic reforms, which prioritise human capital development, macroeconomic stability, and climate resilience.
A striking example of this strategic clarity is the government’s innovative move to monetise surplus electricity by powering Bitcoin mining and AI data centres. The allocation of 2,000 megawatts (MW) for this digital revolution marks a milestone moment for Pakistan. It is a testament to a leadership that sees beyond conventional economic paradigms and dares to seize emerging opportunities. As Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb rightly noted, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to become a global hub for data centres – a digital bridge connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This initiative, spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), is already attracting interest from international firms, promising billions of dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI) and high-value job creation.
Such vision and determination evoke echoes of the recent geopolitical triumphs. In the aftermath of the crisis with India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s diplomacy and the iron-willed determination of the Pakistan Armed Forces underscored that Pakistan not only stands tall in the face of external threats but is also poised to make great strides in business and economic recovery. It is a powerful reminder that the same mentality of courage, resolve, and strategic thinking that secured the nation’s sovereignty on the battlefield can, and must, be deployed in the economic arena.
Indeed, this sense of national purpose was palpable during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent diplomatic engagements with Turkey and Iran. In Istanbul, in the warmest of meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the two leaders pledged to elevate their strategic partnership to even greater heights. President Erdogan’s unwavering support for Pakistan during the crisis with India is a testament to the enduring fraternal bond between the two nations. In this charged atmosphere of goodwill, Prime Minister Shehbaz lauded the valour of the Pakistani people and the unprecedented sacrifices made by the Pakistan Armed Forces. This same spirit of determination is what now fuels the country’s economic aspirations.
Back home, the Shehbaz government is pressing ahead with a holistic approach to economic recovery and growth. From high-level engagements with World Bank officials to ground-level visits to flood-affected areas in Sindh, the focus is clear: inclusivity, sustainability, and robust private-sector growth. Anna Bjerde’s visit to World Bank-supported project sites, accompanied by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and the First Lady, Ms. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, reflected a shared commitment to translating economic reforms into tangible benefits for the people of Pakistan.
The discussions during Anna Bjerde’s visit spanned the critical areas of fiscal management, digital transformation, energy sector reforms, and private-led growth. The government’s efforts to harness the immense economic potential of Pakistan are aimed squarely at creating quality jobs, particularly for women and youth, and ensuring that the benefits of growth reach every corner of the country. It is a comprehensive strategy that acknowledges the importance of climate resilience, water and sanitation access, and human capital development as cornerstones of sustainable progress.
This surge in confidence is not just reflected in words but also in the numbers. The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s positive trajectory in recent months is a reflection of growing investor confidence in the country’s economic outlook. The IMF’s supportive stance and the World Bank’s willingness to engage in long-term partnerships underscore a broader international consensus: Pakistan is moving in the right direction.
As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his visit to Turkiye and embarked on further diplomatic overtures in Iran, the message from Islamabad is crystal clear. Pakistan is not merely weathering the storms of global economic headwinds; it is actively shaping its own destiny, powered by the courage of its people, the discipline of its armed forces, and the visionary leadership of its government.
In this decisive moment, Pakistan’s journey is one of hope, ambition, and strategic clarity. The world is watching as Pakistan, with the full backing of its people and the confidence of its international partners, strides boldly on the path to economic recovery. The Shehbaz government’s unwavering commitment to placing professionals at the helm of economic affairs, coupled with its ability to attract global investment and forge strategic partnerships, signals a new era of economic resurgence. Pakistan’s moment is here, and its people, united and resolute, are ready to seize it.
