Real problem is execution, not ideas

The Express Tribune’s commentary on the Harvard conference about Pakistan argues that the central obstacle is carrying reforms through, rather than a lack of policy proposals. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said long-delayed decisions on tariffs, agricultural-income taxation and state-owned enterprises were now being implemented, while economists at the event highlighted weak institutions, limited education investment and low tax collection.

The article points to mixed progress. Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio increased from 8.8% in FY2024 to 10.3% in FY2025, and the government is advancing a programme covering 27 state-owned enterprises. It also cites $4.6 billion in IT exports, growing at around 20% annually, an announced $1 billion AI investment plan by 2030 and estimated installed solar capacity of around 8,000 MW.

The writer notes that resistance remains, including from the automobile lobby over transport electrification, and says reforms must be sustained to improve productivity, investment, exports and growth. The article’s conclusion is that implementation, not further policy design, will determine whether the recent measures change Pakistan’s economic direction.