The Frederick Naumann Foundation for Freedom Pakistan (FNF) in collaboration with the Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) and the Policy Research Institute of Market Economy (PRIME) recently convened a one-day conference aimed at addressing the challenges facing Pakistan. taken . This important event on political stability and economic recovery took place today, Monday, October 2, 2023, at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, and represents an important step towards addressing the critical issues facing Pakistan today. Two important briefing papers were presented at the conference, which are set to provide invaluable insights into Pakistan’s journey towards a more stable and prosperous future.
During the conference, Mr. Zahid Abdullah, the Former Federal Information Commissioner, delivered a comprehensive paper titled ‘The Evolution of the Enactment and Implementation Status of Right to Information Legislation in Pakistan.’ This paper delves into the historical development of right-to-information laws, comparing them with international standards, and sheds light on the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation in Pakistan.
In the same session, Dr. Aadil Nakhoda presented the second paper titled “Pakistan and EU Trade Potential: The Bottlenecks and Roadmap for Reforms.” This paper offers essential insights into the trade potential between Pakistan and the European Union (EU).
Distinguished speakers at the conference shared invaluable insights:
• Ms. Birgit Lamm, Country Director FNF Pakistan, emphasized the urgent need for solutions to economic and political instability, pointing out that the current situation disadvantages ordinary citizens and leads to further division and polarization.
• Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, former Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, presided over the opening session. Distinguished speakers, including Senator Walid Iqbal and Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, provided enlightening perspectives on the pivotal role of elections in ensuring political stability.
• Mr. Philipp Gross, Deputy Head of Mission EU Delegation, highlighted the intrinsic link between trade and values, stressing that “GSP Plus is primarily about trade with values,” encompassing human rights, labor rights, environment, and governance.
• Mr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ali, Executive Director CPDI, emphasized the importance of political parties engaging in dialogue to establish a consensus on a code of conduct. Such efforts are critical for reducing political polarization and ensuring credible elections.
• Mr. Ali Salman, Executive Director Prime, encouraged political parties to engage in discussions on economic reform with think tanks and academia, as these discussions lay the foundation for economic stability.
• Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Secretary General, Muslim League (N), noted that competitiveness can only be achieved through exposure to the market. He highlighted that the corporate sector primarily focuses on the domestic market and is protected, emphasizing the need to connect businesses to exports.
This conference served as a pivotal gathering that brought together experts, policymakers, and thought leaders. The shared insights and recommendations from this event are poised to have a significant impact on shaping Pakistan’s path toward a more stable and prosperous future.
