“Right man for the right Job: Nisar calls for expertise in governance”
• “Pakistan falls behind India: A reflection on lost opportunities”
• “Public relief must be top priority for leadership to spur progress”
By Our Correspondent
Mian Sohail Nisar, Chairman of PIAF and a prominent businessman, has underscored the need for strategic leadership and reform to address Pakistan’s escalating economic crises. Speaking on the current state of the country at the sidelines of an Iftar Dinner in Lahore on Friday, Nisar painted a stark picture of challenges but also emphasized the potential for progress if the right steps are taken.
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“Pakistan is grappling with numerous issues, and listing them all would take us until nightfall. Our foreign exchange reserves are dwindling, exports remain insufficient, and imports are rising, putting immense pressure on the economy. Remittances are also declining, leaving us with a precarious financial situation. The core issue is the absence of a clear direction,” Nisar remarked.
He stressed the importance of merit-based leadership across ministries. “The concept of the right man for the right position is not being followed. A doctor should head the Health Ministry, a lawyer should manage the Law Ministry, and experts must be placed in positions where their skills are most effective. Sadly, many ministers lack the expertise and knowledge to handle their responsibilities. We have plans on paper, but on the ground, there’s little to no progress,” he said.
Discussing government claims, Nisar commented on the slogans raised by the Punjab and federal governments about economic recovery. “They claim the economy is back on track, but the reality is different. While we hear about various initiatives, such as Maryam Nawaz’s public welfare projects, these must deliver results to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.”
Nisar expressed his disappointment over Pakistan’s declining global standing. “In the 1990s, Pakistan was ahead of India. Today, India is the world’s fourth-largest economy, while we lag behind, even below countries like Ethiopia. This is a reflection of missed opportunities and poor governance.”
On the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) elections, Nisar expressed his views thoughtfully. “The DGTO had ordered a recount of the votes, citing an unusually large number of penal votes. That highlighted the importance of maintaining confidence in the election process,” he remarked.
In his concluding remarks, Nisar called on the Prime Minister, Army Chief, and Chief Ministers to focus on public relief. “To revive Pakistan’s economy and global standing, we need visionary leadership, accountability, and a commitment to the principle of assigning the right person to the right job. Only then can we achieve meaningful progress,” he concluded.
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