‘Think-tanks must bridge gap between research and actionable solutions’

Islamabad : Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), emphasising the importance of an impartial and solution-oriented approach has said that think-tanks must remain objective and bridge the gap between research and actionable solutions.

Dr Suleri was addressing inaugural steering committee meeting of National Network of Economic Think-Tanks (NNETT) hosted here by SDPI. NNETT, initiated in 2018, seeks to unite think-tanks, civil society and academia under one platform.

Dr Suleri who is also Facilitator of NNETT, remarked noting Pakistan's improved macroeconomic indicators but stressing the need for comprehensive reforms. He said the mission of Secretariat of the NNETT is to promote policy research and effective communication strategies. The network already published 15 policy papers, with as many underway, and held 40 public-private dialogues. The group also conducted workshops and province-wide economic reporting sessions to turn policy recommendations into actionable frameworks.

Ahad Nazir, an engineer, stated that we aim to develop NNETT as a national advisory body, expanding its influence both locally and globally, emphasising its success in advocating for initiatives like the strategic trade policy framework and power wheeling policy.

Zafar Masud, President of Bank of Punjab, highlighted the critical need for stronger collaboration between academia, think-tanks and industry in Pakistan, drawing comparisons from international model.

He emphasised the untapped potential in the environmental sector, calling it a major opportunity for the business community. The integration of technology and capacity building for farmers is essential to modernise agricultural practices, he said.

He also pointed to the persistent challenge of access to financing urging stakeholders to explore global best practices to address the issue.