There
is not even a single developed country without emergent industrial sector. The
famous Great-7 nations were developed just because of industrialization. The
industrial sector of Pakistan is emerging and undergoing rapid development.
Howsoever, still there are number of hurdles resisting continuous development
of this sector.
Energy
Crises:
The industrial
sector is dependent on the supply of energy; the shortfall of so supply causes
dramatic failures and drawbacks. Unfortunately, Pakistan is facing colossal
energy shortfall causing industries to shut down. This energy crisis is not
only affecting Industrial sectors but also number of other sectors too. So this
issue must be addressed otherwise Pakistan could face horrified results.
Terrorism:
Terrorism is a
global phenomenon, almost every emerging economy is victim of terrorism, and so
is the Pakistan. The terrorism is creating a threatened environment in
industrial sector of Pakistan. Local investors are withdrawing their
investments and migrating to western/safer countries for better lifestyle. This
situation discourages the Foreign Direct Investment; when the local investors
are going out, it’s really hard to attract international investors.
However,
Pakistani Government has taken steps against terrorism. Karachi Operation, The
National Action Plan NAP and Zarb-e-Azab are the best steps taken by government
to curb the terrorism in Pakistan. However, there are still some areas like
Punjab where military operations are required to diminish the terrorist
activities.
Political
Instability:
Investors avoid
investing in such markets where the political conditions are not stable,
because this condition enhances the risk of investment. The political condition
of Pakistan is not much stable, since the previous government of Nawaz Sharif
was taken-over by General Pervaiz Musharraf. Even the current government is not
much stable because of opposition-government relationship. The opposition is
stressing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign from this position because of
Panama Leaks allegations. However Civil-Military relations of Pakistan are now
quite good since the Karachi military operation and Zarb-e-Azab operation were
conducted with the collaborative policy of government and Pak Army.
Lack
of Capital:
People of
Pakistan come up with variety of ideas, but common issue is lack of capital.
People don’t have enough capital to establish/initiate a mega project which
could help in economic development. On the other hand they have not anything to
pledge to acquire loan from the banks. There are millions of ideas buried
because of capital shortage.
Poverty:
According to a
survey approximately 60% of total population of Pakistan is living below the
poverty line. The newly established poverty line by World Bank is $1.90~$2.
Hence the vast majority of population is not capable to spend money to buy
industrial products and this situation force industrialists to limit the
production capacity which sometimes causes lose and they fail to achieve
economies of scale. All such circumstances eventually take the industrial
growth downward.
Taxation:
Tax is another
discouraging factor for investors in Pakistani Industrial Sector. Income tax,
sales tax, property tax, value added tax, withholding tax, custom duty, excise
and other taxes reduces the profit margin of the industry. So, all such taxes
discourage the investors to invest more in the industry.
Conclusion
& Recommendations:
Since
the emergent economies are based on industrialization so it’s clear now that
the Pakistan needs to address number of problems in order to develop its
industrial sector. For this instance, here are some recommendations given
below.
·
Provide consistent energy supply and for
this establish hydroelectric power plants.
·
Efficient implementation of National
Action Plan and Military Courts in order to cope up terrorism.
·
Control corruption and develop friendly
relations with Opposition.
·
Provide loans at relaxed terms &
conditions.
·
Create job opportunities to reduce
poverty for economic development.
·
Resign the corporate taxation policy.
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