Business leader and former President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Dr. Shahid Rasheed Butt, said on Friday that the connection between national security and economic security is direct. He said that people and businesses are optimistic about the economy’s resurgence, as the country’s overall economic direction is promising.

Shahid Rasheed Butt said in a statement issued here today that the political and military leadership has been working tirelessly to improve the political and economic situation.

He added that due to these efforts, Pakistan is gradually moving in the right direction, restoring the confidence of the masses and the business community, which has been facing hardships for years.

The business leader said that national security will automatically improve as the economy gains strength. He underlined that only economically strong countries can ensure sustainable development and national security.

In the 1960s, Pakistan’s economic indicators were better than China’s, and its financial situation was far better than that of India and Bangladesh. However, in the later decades, Pakistan lacked political stability and long-term economic policies, resulting in a monetary freefall, while China and India emerged as economic powers.

Pakistan’s economic growth has been sluggish for decades due to many factors, including wrong priorities and the non-implementation of good policies.

However, the authorities are now moving forward, which has raised hopes among the masses and the business community, which is a positive sign. 

Mr. Butt noted that last year, the country’s economy was on the verge of default, and the inflation rate had exceeded 40 percent. Still, the PM and COAS initiated serious efforts that changed everything. The PM and COAS’s better planning and vision have worked, but the risk of political instability must be tackled. Political forces should also rise above their group and political interests and prioritize the economy.

He demanded that political parties work together on national security so that while strengthening the country’s security, the enemies of the country are also dealt with.