Political Economy of Pakistan
Assignment
Title: The Political Economy of Pakistan
Submitted By: Ali Gohar Jamali
Reg no: 0917104
Class: BS (SS)-7
Submitted to: Mr. Akbar Saeed Awan
Subject: South Asian Studies
Dated: 8th October, 2012
Introduction
Economic and social outcomes in Pakistan have been a mixture of paradoxes since the country came into being. Pakistan, once a regional economic power in 1960’s could not realize its potential and fell behind its East Asian fellow countries. Politically, religious fundamentalism, sectarian violence, ethnic differences, terrorism and regional economic disparities have made country unstable which contributed toward the unsatisfactory economic condition.
It is usually believed that economy grows in presence of political solidity but in the case of Pakistan it rejects the conventional wisdom. Much of countries economic growth has been witnessed in the military regimes which ruled country for nearly three decades. The reasons for this will also be discussed later.
Pakistan has been ruled for 29 years by four Military Governments .Army has a significant role in Pakistan’s politics, foreign affairs and supporting individuals. Moreover, the growing economic and corporate interests of the Pakistan army, makes it an important stake holder in decisions regarding trade, investment and issues of property rights .No doubt, Pakistan’s military is the most power institute of the country. The fact that military dominates Pakistan’s political, domestic, regional and global scene, is reflection of power of military but it also show the failure of civil society and political institutions.
In order to examine the nature of Pakistan’s economic and political past, a history can be divided into seven different periods which are chronologically discussed below.
Civilian Bureaucracy and Industrialization: 1947-58
Pakistan came in to being as a devastated country after partition of united India. The geographic location of East Pakistan with India
Title: The Political Economy of Pakistan
Submitted By: Ali Gohar Jamali
Reg no: 0917104
Class: BS (SS)-7
Submitted to: Mr. Akbar Saeed Awan
Subject: South Asian Studies
Dated: 8th October, 2012
Introduction
Economic and social outcomes in Pakistan have been a mixture of paradoxes since the country came into being. Pakistan, once a regional economic power in 1960’s could not realize its potential and fell behind its East Asian fellow countries. Politically, religious fundamentalism, sectarian violence, ethnic differences, terrorism and regional economic disparities have made country unstable which contributed toward the unsatisfactory economic condition.
It is usually believed that economy grows in presence of political solidity but in the case of Pakistan it rejects the conventional wisdom. Much of countries economic growth has been witnessed in the military regimes which ruled country for nearly three decades. The reasons for this will also be discussed later.
Pakistan has been ruled for 29 years by four Military Governments .Army has a significant role in Pakistan’s politics, foreign affairs and supporting individuals. Moreover, the growing economic and corporate interests of the Pakistan army, makes it an important stake holder in decisions regarding trade, investment and issues of property rights .No doubt, Pakistan’s military is the most power institute of the country. The fact that military dominates Pakistan’s political, domestic, regional and global scene, is reflection of power of military but it also show the failure of civil society and political institutions.
In order to examine the nature of Pakistan’s economic and political past, a history can be divided into seven different periods which are chronologically discussed below.
Civilian Bureaucracy and Industrialization: 1947-58
Pakistan came in to being as a devastated country after partition of united India. The geographic location of East Pakistan with India
References: * Burki, Shahid Javed, Pakistan: A Nation in the Making, Westview Press, Boulder, 1986, p. 112. Bibliography: * S. Akbar Zaidi, Issues in Pakistan’s Economy, Second Edition * Dr Isharat Hussain, Pakistan and Afghanistan: Domestic Pressure and Regional Threats, The Role of Politics in Pakistan’s Economy.