- Time for Pakistanis to unite in celebrating their identity and envisioning a brighter future
Interview with Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi — a dynamic young political analyst
Profile:
Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi is a dynamic young political analyst from Lahore. After finishing her school and college education, she went to Islamabad for Masters from Quaid-e-Azam University. After doing her Masters, she joined a local college in Lahore for teaching.
Simultaneously, she got admission to Government College Lahore for her MPhil in the political science department. Meanwhile, she quit her job at college and started working at the Virtual University of Pakistan in 2009. After doing her MPhil, she got enrolled in the Ph.D. programme at the University of Punjab.
While doing her Ph.D., she worked as a Lecturer in the UET Taxila for one year in 2012 and then moved to Lahore College of Women University. After six months, she got selected as an assistant professor in the Department of Politics and IR at the University of Sargodha in 2013. At the University of Sargodha, she has attended more than two dozen National and International conferences. The University of Sargodha, where she is serving as head of the department at present, sent her to China in 2017 for a teaching diploma.
She has written more than three dozen research articles in national and internationally renowned journals. She has produced numerous Mphils, 4 PhDs, 5 are waiting for their Public defense and four are under supervision.
PAGE: What is your perspective about Pakistan Day celebrations in Pakistan?
Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi: Pakistan Day, observed on March 23rd, commemorates the Lahore Resolution of 1940 and the adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan during the transition from the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on March 23, 1956. This day is celebrated with national fervour, reflecting on the country’s journey towards establishing its identity and sovereignty.
The celebrations, including military parades, exhibitions, and awards ceremonies, serve as a reminder of the struggles faced and the achievements made since its formation. It’s a day for Pakistanis to renew their commitment to unity, faith, and discipline, the principles laid down by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and to envision a progressive future.
PAGE: What is your standpoint about the human development in Pakistan?
Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi: Human development in Pakistan has seen both challenges and progress over the years. Pakistan has made strides in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development, yet it continues to face significant hurdles like poverty, literacy, gender disparity, and access to clean water and healthcare.
The Human Development Index (HDI) provides a composite measure of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, where Pakistan has shown improvement but still ranks lower compared to many other countries. The government and non-governmental organisations are working towards enhancing human development, but sustained efforts are needed to address the structural issues and ensure equitable growth and opportunities for all citizens.
PAGE: Is Pakistan of today different from the Pakistan of 1947?
Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi: The Pakistan of today is markedly different from the Pakistan of 1947 in various ways. Since its independence, the country has undergone significant political, social, and economic transformations. It has transitioned from a dominion to a republic, experienced military and civilian rule, and has worked towards stabilising its democracy.
Economically, Pakistan has evolved from an agriculture-based economy to a more diversified one with sectors like manufacturing, services, and information technology playing significant roles. Socially, there has been progress in literacy rates, media freedom, and civil society activism, though challenges remain. The demography has also changed with a significant increase in population. Despite the progress, Pakistan continues to face challenges such as political instability, economic disparities, and regional conflicts.
PAGE: What must the incumbent government do to ensure economic prosperity in Pakistan?
Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi: To ensure economic prosperity in Pakistan, the incumbent government must focus on several key areas:
- Strengthening economic policies: Implementing sound fiscal and monetary policies to control inflation, stabilise currency, and encourage investment.
- Improving infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure, including roads, energy, and telecommunications, to support economic activities and attract foreign investment.
- Enhancing education and skills development: Focusing on education and vocational training to build a skilled workforce that meets the needs of a modern economy.
- Promoting diversification: Diversifying the economy by supporting sectors like manufacturing, technology, and services, reducing reliance on traditional sectors.
- Improving governance and reducing corruption: Ensuring transparency, good governance, and reducing corruption to create a conducive environment for business and investment.
- Encouraging foreign and local investment: Creating a friendly investment climate with incentives for both foreign and local investors.
- Focusing on export growth: Developing strategies to boost exports, exploring new markets, and enhancing product quality.
- Social development: Investing in healthcare, clean water, and sanitation to improve the quality of life, which indirectly supports a productive workforce.
Economic prosperity is a multifaceted goal requiring concerted efforts in governance, policy-making, and societal engagement.