The focal point of our latest deliberation was the delicate balance between individual freedom and the demands of collectivism. The participants included Dr Akmal Hussain, Dr Farooq Sulehria and myself.

We examined the inherent tension caused by the sustenance of a collective entity, be it a state or society, that frequently perceives individual freedom as a threat. This led us to ponder whether genuine freedom is achievable under such circumstances?

This question sparked a lively debate, which eventually segued into an exploration of Pakistan’s myriad challenges. Dr Akmal Hussain astutely highlighted the grave obstacles confronting Pakistan, a perspective I wish to share with my readers in this article. It’s pertinent here to offer a brief overview of his illustrious career.

Dr Hussain has been associated with some very prestigious institutions including Government College, Lahore; the University of Cambridge; and the University of Sussex. He is currently a Distinguished Professor at Beaconhouse National University, Lahore. His expertise spans over diverse realms of academia, policy and international development.

As a respected scholar, Dr Hussain has presented papers at prestigious conferences worldwide, including venues like the Harvard University, the Society for International Development in Rome and the United Nations Development Programme.

His insights have been sought by esteemed institutions like the World Bank and the International Labour Organization, where he has conducted significant research. In the realm of policy, Dr Hussain’s influence has been profound. He has advised governments in Pakistan on economic matters, serving as a member of the Prime Minister’s Committee on Economic Policy during pivotal periods from 1989 to 2001 and later in 2010-11. His counsel extends beyond national boundaries. He has contributed to policy discussions at esteemed platforms like Wilton Park in the UK and consultative forums convened by governments of the Netherlands and Japan.

In recent years, Dr Hussain’s dedication to advancing sustainable development goals has been evident through his active participation in international deliberations organised by the UNDP in Bonn. His contributions have had a pivotal role in shaping the SDGs document. Additionally, his efforts extend to grassroots initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation and development, demonstrating a commitment to fostering positive change at local, national and regional levels.

Dr Hussain has been prolific in scholarly output, having written more than 40 book chapters on development. His latest work, Pakistan, Institutional Instability and Underdevelopment: State, People and Consciousness, reflects his deep understanding of the complex interplay between governance, societal dynamics and economic progress. It is a mandatory read for those aspiring to make sense of economic, political and intellectual challenges that Pakistan is plagued with. All said, Dr Akmal Hussain’s multifaceted contributions to academia, policy and development underscore his status as a leading figure in the quest for inclusive and sustainable progress in Pakistan.

In the discourse surrounding Pakistan’s trajectory, the narrative of promise and potential has frequently been subdued by the formidable challenges that have persistently beset the nation. Despite producing some renowned intellectuals endowed with commendable credentials and a wealth of expertise, Pakistan faces a profound intellectual deficit in its endeavours to navigate its economic tribulations. This deficit is evident in a dearth of innovative solutions; a misalignment of priorities; and an inclination towards ad-hocism in policy formulation, precipitating a conundrum wherein Pakistan’s economic advancement appears increasingly constrained.

The recent emergence of the Pakistan Investment Facilitation Council [fact check: is this PIFC or SIFC?] as an institutional apparatus designed apparently to catalyze economic rejuvenation is of particular significance. The council has yet to produce substantive outcomes commensurate with the nation’s pressing economic imperatives.

Against this backdrop, the country’s exports have exhibited a downward trend. Remittance inflows, once a bulwark against economic volatility, are experiencing precipitous decline. The confluence of these developments has engendered a palpable sense of unease among Pakistan’s decision-makers, who grapple with the exigencies of a fraught economic landscape.

Furthermore, the specter of political polarisation looms large over Pakistan’s economic milieu, significantly exacerbating extant tumults. The fractious nature of political discourse engenders an environment rife with uncertainty, impeding concerted efforts towards economic stabilisation. Consequently, recourse to external financial assistance, epitomised by successive bailouts from the International Monetary Fund, has emerged as an indispensable if unpalatable recourse.

Pakistan finds itself in a complex web of economic challenges, wherein the intersection of intellectual inertia, institutional inefficacy and political discord conspires to thwart substantive progress. The imperative for concerted action to redress these systemic inadequacies looms large, necessitating a recalibration of national priorities and a resolute commitment to fostering an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth and development.

Pakistan is fortunate in having intellectuals like Dr Hussain and Dr Hafeez Pasha whose distinguished careers, spanning academia, policy advisory roles and international development, highlight the breadth of knowledge and insight available within Pakistan. However, this intellectual wealth stands largely untapped in resolving the country’s economic issues.

Despite Dr Hussain’s contributions [and those of other experts], Pakistan remains entrenched in a cycle of economic stagnation, with initiatives, such as the Pakistan Investment Facilitation Council offering little promise of substantial recovery.

Pakistan also faces an imminent existential crisis in the form of escalating environmental degradation, reaching distressing proportions. Despite the imminent peril posed by environmental adversities, the governmental response has regrettably been less than adequate, betraying a systemic failure to prioritise the imperatives of long-term sustainability over the allure of immediate gains.

There exists no coherent policy framework to address the looming specter of severe floods intertwined with droughts, nor has there been any proactive planning to mitigate the impending havoc wrought by the accelerated melting of glaciers, necessitating urgent and decisive emergency measures.

A lamentable inertia has persisted. Environmental pollution is now entrenched, tarnishing the historic city of Lahore with the ignominious distinction of being one of the most polluted metropolises globally.

Compounding these issues is the extractive nature of the state, which has consistently failed to uplift the masses from poverty and deprivation. Despite abundant resources and the potential for equitable distribution, Pakistan’s governance structures have perpetuated inequality and disenfranchisement, exacerbating societal divisions and undermining social cohesion.

Pakistan’s foreign policy stance exhibits a troubling disorientation, characterised often by a neglect of geographical realities as a seminal determinant. Historically, Pakistan’s geopolitical significance has been underscored by its strategic location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.

However, recent foreign policy decisions have discounted these geographical imperatives, resulting in a fractured approach that fails to capitalise on Pakistan’s inherent strengths and strategic advantages. A fundamental overhaul of Pakistan’s foreign policy is imperative, necessitating a concerted effort to mend strained relations with its immediate neighbours and to revive trade partnerships with them.

The exigency of the moment dictates a transformation from a state predominantly focused on national security to one prioritising social welfare and stability. Pakistani policymakers must exhibit resilience and foresight, resolutely placing the nation’s long-term interests ahead of acquiescence to the dictates of neo-imperial agendas.

In essence, Pakistan finds itself at a crossroads. It has to grapple with multifaceted challenges that threaten its stability and prosperity. Despite the presence of intellectual acumen and strategic potential, the nation remains mired in a state of perpetual crisis, with systemic failures and misplaced priorities hindering progress towards a brighter future. As the meeting came to a close, Farooq and I found ourselves profoundly enriched.

The writer is a professor in the faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore