ISLAMABAD: In its recently released Preliminary Review of National Security Policy, the Independent Economic Advisory Group (EAG) of the Policy Research Institute of Market Economy (Prime) has welcomed the recognition of economics as a key to Pakistan's national security. . Investing in development is clearly detrimental to national security, especially in the medium and long term.
The EAG cautioned that in trying to address a very broad spectrum of socioeconomic issues, national security policy may focus on the core issue of security involved in protecting Pakistan's borders and ensuring internal harmony.
The EAG stressed that it is important that stakeholders guard against this, and also against the possibility of economic policy being embedded within the national security paradigm. While it is important to correctly identify and highlight all the factors affecting Pakistan's national security, it should be the responsibility of the ministries concerned to plan and implement the challenges in their regions. The EAG said it would like economic ministries and institutions to implement plans with specific policies in relation to the critical challenges identified by the stakeholders.
Reviewing the NSP, the EAG members appreciated the country's failures to provide economic opportunities and the recognition of its under-investment in human capabilities, which is partly a result of the country's unavoidable burden to invest in military and defense assets. . Because of its geographical interpretation. While there is a need to allocate resources for legitimate defense needs, the EAG notes that the government recognizes that resources need to be redistributed, thereby limiting the need for re-investment in education, health and other critical sectors. revenue free.
The EAG is of the view that economic interests should guide the country's foreign and security policies and supported the broader emphasis of the NSP in this context. The members further stated that a strong economy is a pre-condition for a strong defence, which can provide its citizens with opportunities for security of life and prosperity. Recognizing the various security challenges facing Pakistan, the EAG highlighted both external and internal factors, including cyber security, that must be addressed by the NSP. Expressing concern about the absence of a debate on the NSP in Parliament, the EAG stressed that transparency and participation are hallmarks of a functioning democracy.
In agreement with the NSP, the EAG stated that it would seek to realign Pakistan's international relations with regional countries as well as world powers, taking into account the welfare of its citizens as the main criterion for evaluating policy options. Would like to see the policy measures being taken. Citing the example of Pakistan's recent relations with India and Afghanistan, EAG members emphasized that a geo-economic vision outlined in the NSP emphasizes open trade with both countries while continuing dialogue on outstanding issues. . It is the practice of successful countries that advance economic ties while working on resolving outstanding disputes. In the past, and contrary to the proposed approach, national security policies have driven economic ties with regional countries. This has prevented Pakistan from taking advantage of its geo-strategic position to achieve its geo-economic objectives.
The EAG had earlier highlighted in its "Vision for Economic Transformation" document that its failure to integrate with the rest of the world has meant that Pakistan has been unable to take advantage of the vast opportunities offered by the global market. This has stifled innovation and productivity gains among Pakistani manufacturers, making them globally uncompetitive, and therefore, unable to scale up and create jobs. The EAG would like to see that the specific ministries responsible for trade develop and implement policies in line with the vision of the NSP, such as:
The current customs and regulatory duty regime has been replaced with a uniform tariff across sectors and product categories; In line with the NSP, Pakistan is focusing on being competitive for parts of the global value chains (GVCs) for products rather than the entire product;
We actively engage with regional trading blocs with the aim of joining or entering into an FTA with them. Finally, but in line with the NSP's framework, EAG members drew attention to legal and political rights, the rule of law, and contract enforcement as important pillars of protection of individual liberty.