Former caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Alauddin Marri, has emphasized that national defence is unattainable without a strong and sustainable economy.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Saturday, Marri urged the government to empower the business community, allowing it to contribute freely and effectively to the country’s economic development.
He expressed concern that Pakistan has failed to fully capitalize on strategic opportunities such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the nation’s significant geographical advantage.
He Highlighting Balochistan’s financial challenges, Marri noted that the province’s budget stands at Rs 150 billion, while its revenue is only Rs 31 billion. However, he announced a positive development: the long-awaited Balochistan Bank has been approved, thanks to the intervention of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
Alauddin Marri also pointed out that Iran has completed its portion of a cross-border gas pipeline, bringing gas to Pakistan’s border, yet Pakistan has failed to construct its share of the infrastructure.
He commended Pakistan’s relatively stable economic performance during the COVID-19 pandemic and amid default risks, attributing it to the consultative approach adopted by the government. He stressed that a similar broad-based consultative process is essential to address the country’s current economic challenges.
Nasir Khan, Vice President of FPCCI, echoed these concerns, stating that investment is flowing out of Pakistan due to persistent economic instability. He highlighted Microsoft’s exit from Pakistan as part of a broader trend, calling it a symptom of deeper, unresolved economic issues.
Meanwhile, Mian Zahid Hussain, Chairman of the FPCCI’s Policy Advisory Board, commented on the symbolic convergence of Defence Day and Eid Milad-un-Nabi, calling it a “good omen” for the nation. He added that Pakistan has a significant trade advantage over India in the U.S. market, with tariffs on Pakistani goods at 19% compared to India’s 50%, suggesting a major opportunity for exports.
