UMT dialogue highlights need for system reset and better use of Pakistan’s resources

A National Policy Dialogue on Empowerment and Growth held at the University of Management and Technology (UMT) Lahore on Saturday,

LAHORE: A National Policy Dialogue on Empowerment and Growth held at the University of Management and Technology (UMT) Lahore on Saturday, October 31, sparked debate over Pakistan’s political structure, governance challenges and untapped economic potential.

The event featured two notable speeches that attracted attention. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called for reforms within the existing constitutional framework, while a business leader highlighted the country’s vast natural and industrial resources, arguing that poor management had prevented Pakistan from achieving economic self-sufficiency.

Naqvi calls for constitutional reforms

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi explained his earlier remarks about the need to reset the system. He clarified that such a reset should not be interpreted as an attempt to derail democracy or replace the existing political structure.

According to Naqvi, Pakistan needs to correct weaknesses in its governance system while remaining within the Constitution. He stressed that the objective should be to revive and improve institutions rather than dismantle them.

To underline the seriousness of the country’s challenges, the minister referred to several social and administrative problems. He said around 55 per cent of Pakistanis lacked access to clean drinking water, while approximately 20 million children were out of school. He also highlighted malnutrition among children and the backlog of nearly two million cases in the country’s courts.

Naqvi also discussed the proposal to create new provinces, saying that any decision on the matter should reflect the wishes of the people rather than the preferences of political governments.

He supported the idea of giving Islamabad provincial status and argued that large provinces required more effective administrative arrangements. He maintained that creating new administrative units would not undermine the identity of existing provinces, adding that officials based in Lahore could not effectively manage every part of Punjab.

Business leader highlights untapped economic potential

Another major moment came when a business leader presented a district-wise account of Pakistan’s resources and industries that, according to him, had failed to reach their full potential.

He cited Khairpur’s date industry as an example, claiming that the district exported four containers of dates daily without significant value addition. He argued that the same products returned to the market after processing, coating, packaging and branding at considerably higher prices.

He also pointed to Shikarpur’s traditional pickle industry and Hyderabad’s bangle manufacturing sector, saying both had considerable potential but lacked the support and investment needed to expand internationally.

The speaker highlighted agricultural opportunities in Nawabshah and referred to a wind energy corridor in Gharo with an estimated potential of 55,000 megawatts. He questioned why such resources remained underutilised while Pakistan continued spending billions of dollars on imported oil.

Thar’s coal reserves and the country’s coastal and marine resources were also mentioned as opportunities that could contribute to economic growth.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, he highlighted gemstones, fruit production and hydropower potential, while claiming that a significant proportion of locally produced fruit went to waste.

The business leader also referred to Chiniot’s furniture industry, Wazirabad’s cutlery sector, Gujranwala’s electronics manufacturing and Faisalabad’s declining textile industry. He argued that these sectors needed investment, modernisation and access to international markets.

Concluding his remarks, he said Pakistan possessed cotton, minerals, gold and other valuable resources but continued seeking financial assistance from other countries.

Governance and economic reform remain central

The dialogue brought political reform and economic management together, highlighting the need for stronger institutions, better administration and policies that support local industries.

While Naqvi emphasised constitutional reforms and improved governance, the business leader focused on the economic opportunities Pakistan could unlock through better planning and investment.