- In the quest to fortify economy, a multifaceted strategy is imperative
Interview with Mr Adnan Ghaffar — Principal of The Aura School
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself:
Adnan Ghaffar:Â My name is Adnan Ghaffar. I work as the Principal at The Aura School, which provides education from preschool to matriculation. I have over 20 years of teaching experience, including teaching at the matriculation and intermediate levels, as well as over 18 years of experience at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
PAGE: What is your perspective about Pakistan Day celebrations?
Adnan Ghaffar:Â In my perspective, the 23rd of March, or Pakistan Day, must be celebrated because the day holds immense significance not only for me, but in fact for all Pakistanis. It marks the adoption of the first official step towards the establishment of an independent Muslim state. It serves as a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices, and aspirations of the people who fought for Pakistan’s independence. Pakistan Day and Independence Day are such important days for every Pakistani; unfortunately, we celebrate them merely for enjoyment, similar to Eid days, but we tend to forget the actual importance of these days. We should celebrate them in a manner that allows us to internalise the real situation of that time, so everyone can come up with real passion to do something for this country and remind ourselves to love our country.
PAGE: What is your standpoint about human development in Pakistan?
Adnan Ghaffar:Â In recent years, Pakistan has been striving to address various challenges in human development, including education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation due to high inflation rates and fuel prices.
Despite these challenges, new opportunities have emerged, particularly in the area of online businesses. The software industry is experiencing significant growth, leadIMing to more individuals creating apps and software. This growth is fuelled by the increasing trend of conducting work online.
Moreover, both men and women are embracing online work opportunities, driven by the rising popularity of selling goods and services on the internet. From everyday essentials like food to luxury items such as fancy jewellery, and even big-ticket items like cars and houses, online transactions are becoming more common. In my view, human development in Pakistan seems to be changing for the better if we realise these opportunities.
PAGE: Is Pakistan of today different from the Pakistan of 1947?
Adnan Ghaffar: Yes, Pakistan of today is very different from 1947. Back then, people knew how important independence was. They wanted a safe place for Muslim families to live and practice their religion freely. They also wanted to work hard to make the country better. But today, many people don’t understand why independence matters. We’re several generations away from those times, that’s why we can’t understand its importance. Nowadays, life is more about surviving, and many people want to do better than others. Some even leave Pakistan hoping for a better future elsewhere.
PAGE: What must the incumbent government do to ensure economic prosperity in Pakistan?
Adnan Ghaffar: To strengthen Pakistan’s economy, the government needs to take several steps. Firstly, “ask help from Allah not from IMF“.
It’s important to recognise that relying solely on external financial aid, like loans from the IMF and assistance from the US, may not be sustainable in the long run. These loans often come with conditions that can increase inflation, making life harder for ordinary people. Therefore, it might be necessary to reconsider our dependence on such loans and aids to prevent further economic hardships. Instead, the government should focus on attracting foreign investments to Pakistan.
Additionally, supporting local entrepreneurship and innovation is crucial. This involves providing assistance and resources to help people start their own businesses and develop new ideas. Furthermore, combating corruption and ensuring fairness for all is essential for building trust and stability in the economy. Agriculture plays a significant role in Pakistan’s economy, so it’s important to support farmers by providing them with better tools, technology, and training, as well as offering tax relief. Lastly, helping poor people access healthcare and education can contribute to long-term economic growth. By prioritising these actions, the government can work towards improving Pakistan’s economy for everyone.