Pakistonomy

Uzair talks to Dr. Ghazala Mansuri about Pakistan’s stunting crisis and its implications for the country’s future. We focused on key causes of stunting, the linkage with Pakistan’s water supply, and what the country can learn from other nations. The conversation also focused on climate change and its impact on human development, especially stunting. Dr. Ghazala Mansuri is a Lead Economist for the South Asia Region and a Global Lead for the Welfare Impacts of Climate Change at the World Bank. Her work, at the intersection of research and policy, has been published in leading journals in economics and development, including the American Economic Review, the Review of Economic Studies and the Review of Economics and Statistics. Her current research focuses on the effect of public policies on human development, and the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on the agri-food system and its implications for human health, poverty, and inequality. Her recent reports include When Water becomes a Hazard (2018), and the Pakistan Country Climate and Development Report (2022). She holds a PhD in economics from Boston University. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:05 Nature and scale of crisis 18:10 Water and stunting 25:50 Ways to solve for this 31:50 Climate change and stunting 48:50 What have other countries done? 55:30 What can the government do? 59:10 What can parents do? 1:09:00 Reading recommendations Reading Recommendations: - An Agricultural Testament by Albert Howard - The Soil and Health by Albert Howard - Farmers of Forty Centuries by Franklin H. King - Dirt: The Erosion of Civilization by David Montgomery

Uzair talks to M. Abdul Aleem about the role of foreign investment in Pakistan’s economy and the key reforms that foreign investors would like to see in the country. We also talked about what leading executives look for in emerging talent, and the key pain points faced by foreign investors in Pakistan. Mr. Muhammad Abdul Aleem is the CEO and Secretary General of Overseas Investors Chambers of Commerce & Industry (OICCI). OICCI is the oldest (since 1860) chamber of commerce in Asia. OICCI’s members comprising of 210 foreign investors collectively contribute about one third of the total tax revenue of Pakistan besides being the leader in transfer of technology and investment. Mr Abdul Aleem has worked in senior positions in both Exxon Chemicals and Engro Corporation, serving in Pakistan and Singapore. Thereafter, he worked with British American Tobacco Group UK (BAT) in Pakistan and overseas, where he ultimately served as CEO of BAT Operations in Cambodia, Mauritius, and Indian Ocean territory. Since 2004, he has served in senior positions with large Government-owned organizations in Pakistan and his last assignment was as the Managing Director, Pakistan State Oil Company Ltd. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 4:30 The role of foreign investors 13:30 Key issues and solutions for the economy 22:20 Why are investors kept away from policymaking? 26:40 Key traits for emerging talent 33:25 Learning from failure 36:40 Reform priorities 42:40 Judicial reforms 46:05 Reading recommendations Reading Recommendations: - CEO Excellence by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, and Vikram Malhotra - Prosperity: Better Business Makes the Greater Good by Colin Mayer

Uzair talks to Dr. Ishrat Hussain about his new book and its key findings. We focused on Dr. Hussain’s view of why Pakistan fell behind India and Bangladesh, why policy stability matters, and things that he is watching for on the economic front. Dr. Hussain’s latest book Development Pathways 1947-2022 is now available in Pakistan and you can order it here - http://www.libertybooks.com/development-pathways-9786277626198 Dr. Ishrat Husain started his career as member of Civil Service of Pakistan and then spent over two decades at the World Bank 1979-1999, where among many key positions, he became the Bank’s Chief Economist for Africa, Director Poverty and Social Department, Country Director for Central Asian Republics. He completed two terms as Governor of State Bank of Pakistan 1999-2005 and has been appointed to chair various commissions and other boards. In addition to his role as public policy practitioner in national and international arenas he has also taken active interest in scholarly pursuits. He is author of twenty four books , prominent being Governing the Ungovernable and The Economy of an Elitist state published by Oxford University Press . He has been awarded several international and national awards including the highest civilian award of Nishan e Imtiaz. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 4:00 India’s reform success 12:00 Role of common sense economics 18:30 The role of unconstitutional interventions 30:45 Trading with India 35:50 Bangladesh’s keys to success 42:15 Military Inc and its role 46:20 Growing the pie v. distributing wealth 50:35 Outlook for Pakistan’s economy 56:10 Reading recommendations Reading Recommendations - Search for Stability edited by Maleeha Lodhi

This week’s episode focuses on the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza and its implications for the global world order. Uzair talks to Jasmine El-Gamal to get an assessment of Israel’s campaign against Hamas, why Western leaders are out of sync with their own public opinion, and the path forward for ending this conflict. Jasmine El-Gamal is a national security expert, political analyst and former Middle East advisor at the Pentagon. She is the founder and CEO of Mindwork Strategies, LTD, a consulting firm with a mission to help organisations craft empathy-based, culturally driven approaches to foreign policy, communications and workplace mental health. She has served throughout her 22-year career in various public and private-sector organisations covering issues related to security and international affairs. From 2008-2013, Jasmine served as a Middle East advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy. Born in New York and raised in Egypt, Jasmine’s experiences in the aftermath of 9/11 compelled her to spend her career advancing a less militarized, more humane U.S. approach to the Middle East, first as a U.S. public servant and then as a writer, analyst and media commentator. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 4:10 Israel’s goals and strategy 18:25 Hamas’ surrender and a ceasefire 27:20 Double standards in Washington 41:10 Building coalitions across communities 45:20 Impact on US policy 55:50 The need for patience 1:01:45 Censorship in the West 1:08:00 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations - Out of Place by Edward Said - No Ordinary Time: Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Uzair talks to Khadija Shahper Bakhtiar about Teach for Pakistan and the organization’s mission and vision. The conversation also focuses on the fellowship program being run by the organization and the key challenges facing Pakistan’s education sector. Khadija Shahper Bakhtiar is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Teach For Pakistan, a national nonprofit organization that nurtures leadership to end educational inequity. Teach For Pakistan provides inspired university graduates the opportunity and support to teach for two years in low-income communities through a structured Fellowship program and develop the leadership skills and contextual understandings to affect long-term, system-wide reform for educational equity. You can learn more about the fellowship here - https://iteachforpakistan.org Reading recommendations: - The Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:40 What is Teach for Pakistan? 10:10 What is the fellowship program? 17:20 How do fellows help improve outcomes? 23:30 Key criteria for fellows 27:55 Major issues in education 34:00 Devolving education 40:44 Focus areas for governments 46:30 Reading recommendations

In this episode, Uzair talks to Mehu Sitepu about Indonesia’s recently held presidential elections and its outcomes. These elections had a lot of similarities with Pakistan, including the use of social media to woo young voters, allegations of rigging, and questions over Indonesia’s policy towards the US and China. Mehu Sitepu is an Associate at The Asia Group’s Southeast Asia practice, where she supports clients navigating the region’s complex political and regulatory environments to build business strategies across a variety of sectors, including banking and finance, hospitality, manufacturing, and technology. With almost a decade’s experience as a journalist in Indonesia, including three years in a senior role at BBC News, Mehu has a strong knowledge of Southeast Asia and a far-reaching network of contacts. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:40 Overview of the political landscape 24:50 Role of social media 30:01 Rigging allegations 35:28 Foreign policy implications 39:25 Economic policies 44:49 Reading recommendations 47:40 Role of the Indonesian military Reading recommendations: - Indonesia, Etc. by Elizabeth Pisani - Departure: A Novel by Nh. Dini - Indonesian Food by Sri Owen

In this episode, Uzair talks to Taimur Malik about his political campaign in NA-148, where he competed as a PTI candidate against PPP’s former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani. The margin of victory for the PPP’s candidate was razor thin and Taimur is currently in the process of appealing the results. We talked about the vote count, what was it like to campaign in Multan given the constraints on the PTI, and what comes next for the party, both in the courts and in assemblies. You can follow Taimur on X @taimur_malik. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:50 Status of NA-148 election 12:30 PPP’s response to the results 19:00 Campaigning in Multan for the PTI 28:00 Overall appeals of the PTI 37:50 PTI’s alliance with the SIC 44:40 PTI’s strategy moving forward 49:38 Reading recommendations Reading Recommendations - The Constitution of Pakistan - Nuskha ha-e Wafa bu Faiz Ahmed Faiz - The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

In this episode, Uzair talks to Farieha Aziz about the ongoing curbs on the internet, with X facing recurring blocks for the last two weeks. We talk about what the courts have said about these blocks, the response from the PTA, and why the industry needs to be more vocal about arbitrary internet shutdowns. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:10 Current situation 4:30 What have the courts said? 11:05 The state’s response 20:01 The industry’s response 22:20 Legacy of past laws 29:50 Outlook for the near-term 37:00 Conclusion

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Ilhan Niaz about the 2024 elections and their implications for the country. We focused on what has occurred in the past and the various scenarios that could play out. We also talked about analog autocrats and their shortcomings, and how more repression could create further instability in the country. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 4:45 2024 elections analysis 15:20 Failures of the analog autocrats 24:40 What can we learn from history? 41:50 Potential political scenarios 51:05 Why no one wants to rule the federation 1:01:00 Conclusion

Uzair talks to Navid Goraya about Karandaaz’s ongoing work in Pakistan and their focus on improving access to finance for SMEs and women. We also talked about the outlook for the year and the key things that have to happen after elections to rebuild confidence in the economy. Navid Goraya is the chief investment officer of Karandaaz Capital. He has over 25 years of global experience in asset management, investment strategy, product development and corporate finance. Before joining Karandaaz as the CIO, he was leading a Strategic Advisory Firm, White Oak Advisors Inc, in New York where he was involved in serving private equity funds, family offices, banks and insurance companies in support of global investments in the US, Middle East, Southeast Asia and South Asia. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 What does Karandaaz do? 11:10 Barriers to financial inclusion 17:00 Role of the National Credit Guarantee Company 22:40 Bringing modern finance to women 28:40 What should happen after elections 34:10 Avoiding past mistakes 37: Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - Buck Up, Suck Up . . . and Come Back When You Foul Up: 12 Winning Secrets from the War Room by James Carville

Uzair talks to Hamza Haroon, an independent candidate running in the national assembly elections in Pakistan from NA-46. Uzair talks to Hamza about his campaign strategy, the key issues facing Islamabad’s constituents, and what has he heard on the campaign trail. You can follow Hamza on X @HamzaAliHaroon and on Instagram @hamzaaharoon. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:20 What is the election situation like? 7:50 Key issues of constituents 14:50 How people vote 24:10 Hamza’s electoral strategy 29:40 Islamabad’s governance challenge 33:30 Why younger people should enter politics 37:20 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - Leadership on the line by Marty Linsky and Ronald Heifetz - For the Record by David Cameron

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Kamran Bokhari about Iran’s unprovoked attacks on Pakistan, Pakistan’s counterstrike, and what comes next. We talked about the broader issues in the region, Iran’s own calculus, and the ways in which the regional dynamics are altered in the wake of these escalations. Dr. Kamran Bokhari is the Senior Director of the Eurasian Security and Prosperity portfolio at the New Lines Institute. Previously, he served as Director of Analytical Development Department from 2019 to 2023. Dr. Bokhari is also a national security and foreign policy specialist at the University of Ottawa’s Professional Development Institute. Bokhari has also served as the Central Asia Studies Course Coordinator at U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:30 Why did Iran attack Pakistan? 11:20 Assessing Pakistan’s response 20:20 Iran’s broader calculus 27:50 Did Pakistan strike the right balance? 43:50 What comes next? Podcast on Iran protests - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpUPncr5Mrs Reading Recommendations: - https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/experts-react-whats-really-going-on-with-pakistan-and-iran-exchanging-attacks/ - https://www.usip.org/publications/2024/01/making-sense-iran-pakistan-cross-border-strikes - https://amwaj.media/article/exclusive-inside-the-iranian-pakistani-exchange-of-fire-nbsp

In this episode, Uzair talks to Khurram Husain about Pakistan’s economic outlook in 2024, why he is concerned about the cycle of revenge, and things he will watch out for immediately after elections in 2024. Reading Recommendations: - https://www.dawn.com/news/1804904/reassembling-pakistan - https://file.pide.org.pk/pdfpideresearch/discourse-2023-06-43-pakistan-and-the-imf.pdf Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 IMF review 13:05 Caretaker reforms 19:40 Elections and legitimacy 30:30 A new triumvirate and its implications 41:50 What to look for

Welcome to the 2024 season of Pakistonomy. We begin this season with as usual an outlook episode. Uzair talks to Arifa Noor, journalist at Dawn and host of the show Newswise, about the upcoming elections, the crisis of legitimacy, and the electoral dynamics in the country right now. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:50 State of media today 17:50 Elections outlook 23:30 PML-N’s strategy 27:12 PTI’s strategy 36:20 Scenarios and hybrid regime 41:10 New mandate and legitimacy 49:40 What is the vision for Pakistan? 55:05 Conclusion Reading recommendations: - Zahid Hussain’s latest piece - https://www.dawn.com/news/1783550/trying-for-a-fourth-term - Arifa Noor’s article in Dawn - https://www.dawn.com/news/1802553/the-centre-cannot-hold

In this episode, Uzair talks to Sabina Khatri about her work in Lyari, where she has spent over two decades investing in the education of a young generation of citizens. We talked about how and why Sabina began working in Lyari, the ways in which trauma hardens young children, especially men, and how community engagement and education can help birth a new generation of leaders who have deep empathy and a passion to change things. Sabina Khatri is the visionary Founder of Kiran Foundation (KF), a non-profit organization she established in response to a distressing incident of child abuse and domestic violence. Guided by an unyielding commitment to creating positive change, Sabina's journey began in 2004 and has since evolved into a transformative force in Lyari. KF's innovative Mother and Child, Trauma-Informed Education System, rooted in values such as compassion, ownership, responsibility, and empathy, reflects Sabina's dedication to holistic growth for both mothers and children. Over a decade of direct community involvement underscores her mission to provide marginalized families with a nurturing environment and quality education, transcending socio-economic barriers. In 2020, she was awarded the 'Sitara-e-Imtiaz' by the government of Pakistan. You can learn more about the Kiran Foundation here – www.kiranfoundation.org Watch this video about the foundation’s graduates - https://youtu.be/d2RFHHBIqrQ?feature=shared Reading recommendations: - Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl - When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Gabor Maté - Dibs in Search of Self by Virginia Axline - The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Bilal Khatri about his journey from Iqra University to Freiburg, where he is currently doing cutting-edge scientific research. We talked about the difference in how sciences are taught in Germany and Pakistan, why teaching the scientific method is important, and how innovation is going to transform our society. We also talked about how young students from places like Pakistan can do cutting-edge research in Europe, with Bilal sharing some thoughts on how to go about settling in a non-English speaking country. Bilal Khatri completed his Bachelors in Electronic Engineering from Iqra University, Karachi, Pakistan and his Masters in Microsystems Engineering from the University of Freiburg, Germany. In 2019, he completed his PhD on the development and characterization of functional composite materials for additive manufacturing (3D-printing) technologies. Since then, he is working as a postdoctoral researcher and academic at the Institute for Sustainable Systems Engineering (INATECH) at the University of Freiburg. His research interests include additive manufacturing, hybrid and composite materials with tailored properties, and the development of more sustainable materials and processes as well as circular strategies for materials used in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 Bilal’s educational journey 8:30 How to adjust to life in Germany 13:10 Education in Pakistan v. Germany 26:35 State of scientific research in manufacturing 43:30 Innovation and its potential for Pakistan 55:05 Risks from rapid innovation to developing countries 1:16:30 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - Materials and Sustainable Development by Michael F. Ashby - No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz - Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality by Eliezer Yudkowsky You can follow Bilal's gaming channel here - https://www.youtube.com/ @2GBananas Other YouTube channels recommended by Bilal: The B1M: https://www.youtube.com/@TheB1M Real Engineering: https://www.youtube.com/@RealEngineering Veritasium: https://www.youtube.com/@veritasium Mark Rober: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRober Kurzgesagt: https://www.youtube.com/@kurzgesagt Astrum: https://www.youtube.com/@astrumspace Computerphile: https://www.youtube.com/@Computerphile Two Bit Da Vinci: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoBitDaVinci Two Minute Papers: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMinutePapers Prof. Sabine Hossenfelder: https://www.youtube.com/@SabineHossenfelder The Royal Institution: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRoyalInstitution

In this episode, Uzair talks to Tuqa Nusairat about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, its key drivers and the path forward. We also talked about the regional responses so far and how the Biden administration has engaged with key partners in recent days. Tuqa Nusairat is the director for strategy, operations, and finance at Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs. Since joining the Council in 2012, she has played a key role in shaping the direction and growth of the Council’s Middle East related programming, publications, outreach and development and has been instrumental in advancing relationships with vital stakeholders including donors, board members, and high-level contacts. In addition to managing a team of Washington-based fellows and staff, her research focuses on political reform, civil society, and human rights broadly in the region, with a special focus on Jordan. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:35 Contextualizing this moment 8:45 Hamas’ strategic calculus 12:40 Palestinian views right now 17:10 Regional situation 21:33 Scenarios to keep in mind 25:30 Biden admin’s response 32:30 China’s response 36:08 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi - I Saw Ramallah by Mourid Barghouti

In this episode, Uzair talks to Zafar Masud about Pakistan’s economy, how to reduce cash in circulation, and why fiscal deficits are the core problem that need resolution. Zafar Masud is an international banker and entrepreneur currently serving as the President and CEO of The Bank of Punjab. Previously, he has been employed at senior positions by multinational banks across Pakistan and abroad. You can read the co-authored piece on cash economy here - https://www.dawn.com/news/1779399/comment-transitioning-away-from-a-cash-economy Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:10 Why is cash a problem? 21:50 Demonetization in Pakistan 31:44 Financial inclusion 42:30 Debt restructuring 52:55 Charter of society 1:05:13 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - If God was a Banker by Ravi Subramanian - Gambling on Development by Stefan Dercon - Time for Socialism by Thomas Piketty - The Culture Map by Erin Meyer - In an Uncertain World by Robert Rubin

Uzair talks to Zeeshan Salahuddin about the climate crisis and its impact on Pakistan. We focus on the fallout from the catastrophic floods in 2022, why the response was weak and the path forward for the country. Zeeshan is the Director for the Center for Regional and Global Connectivity (CRGC) at Tabadlab, a think tank and advisory services firm that works with businesses, international organisations, and governments to solve their most pressing challenges. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Overview of the climate crisis 6:40 Capital needs and debt 13:24 Taxing to become client resilient 17:00 Youth involvement 23:25 Capacity issues in Pakistan 26:50 Role of finance 32:20 Focus for 2024 and beyond 44:00 Optimizing the economy 51:10 Conclusion

In this episode, Uzair talks to Asim Kidwai about Pakistan’s tourism sector and LOKAL, a startup that is helping scaling an affordable tourism ecosystem in the country. We talk about his journey as an entrepreneur, how the startup is growing its presence across Pakistan, and the company’s expansion plans for the GCC. Asim Kidwai is co-founder and CEO at LOKAL. He graduated from the University of Michigan and was part of the initial team at Kia Motors that was setting up their first automotive assembly plant in Pakistan. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 About LOKAL 7:05 Modernizing hotels across Pakistan 11:30 State of the tourism industry 14:05 Market growth strategy 19:00 Hiring the right talent 22:45 Growing across Pakistan 30:05 Scaling in an economic crisis 33:55 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations - The Last days of Night by Graham Moore - World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever