From Vision2030 to Pakistan2047

This Article by Malik Ahmad Jalal has been featured in Arab News Pakistan.

In a rapidly evolving world, a nation’s ability to chart a new course toward a more prosperous future is paramount. The adage “vision is greater than visibility” encapsulates the essence of this idea. It highlights the undeniable truth that what we envision is a more powerful tool for charting a path toward a prosperous future than the immediate tactics or what we can see before us.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision2030 is a compelling example of the transformative power of a clear and ambitious vision and a transformative lesson for Pakistan’s leaders. The Saudi leadership recognized that their nation, steeped in history and dependent on an oil-based economy, needed a radical shift. Vision2030 became the guiding light, inspiring change, and redefining the kingdom’s trajectory. It was more than just a plan; it was a vision that people believed in— a vision grand enough to convince them to let go of the past and embrace a new future. We lack a cohesive and comprehensive vision of transformation, and hence end up fighting over ‘Naya’ Pakistan or ‘Hamara’ Pakistan.

Vision matters for several crucial reasons. First, transformation often involves losses and uncertainties. It means letting go of your current self. People are naturally averse to such transformation or change, fearing the unknown and the potential costs. A grand vision serves as the beacon of hope, guiding individuals, and society through the murky fog of transformation. It shows the masses the gains to be made, reassuring them that their sacrifices are worthwhile.

Second, transformation requires a deep connection with people’s emotions. Emotions fuel people’s commitment to transformation, while intellect, policy, and strategy follow suit. Convincing, motivating, and emotionally engaging people is the first step toward transformation. Therefore, national buy-in is required for transformation, and this is often articulated and embodied in a grand vision.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision2030 set an example by diversifying its economy, focusing on its youth, and creating a clear vision for a modern, market-driven society. This visionary approach has propelled Saudi Arabia’s growth, transforming it into a global player. It also served as a unifying front for Saudi stakeholders to work toward a common goal.

On the other hand, Pakistan has mostly relied on five-year development plans, or tactics, without the overarching vision needed to drive lasting transformation. While these plans may have served their purpose in the short-term, they lack the inspirational force of a true vision, and hence lose momentum and the reform impetus dies.

Therefore, Pakistan needs more than a technocratic plan, it needs a grand vision and a visionary leader who can articulate this vision, motivate the nation to embrace it and the courage to act on it.

Visionary leadership is not about applying a plan to minimize loss of votes. It’s a bold and daring vision that transcends political cycles and inspires generations. South Korea, for instance, achieved astounding economic growth from its GDP per capita being $146 in 1963 to $29,700 today, due to the visionary leadership of General Park Chung-hee, who took five year plans and made them part of a transformative vision for the country.

The key difference between South Korea’s success and Pakistan’s stagnation was not a plan, but rather the presence of a socio-economic vision for the country and visionary leadership to catalyze and lead this movement. Pakistan’s development plans remained mere plans lacking in emotional or inspirational force to go beyond five years. Meanwhile, South Korea’s plans, fueled by a vision, evolved into a self-sustaining vision for a modern, competitive, and prosperous nation.

Furthermore, Pakistan had a transformational opportunity with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). But CPEC was relegated to a contracting and procurement bonanza of a collection of power and transportation projects. Our leaders failed to see or sell the comprehensive vision of how these various projects come together with human capital development, industrialization, and technology transfer to catalyze Pakistan’s economic transformation. A true visionary leader would have emphasized the business-to-business cooperation, the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and joint ventures with Chinese partners to enhance local export competitiveness.

India too has recognized the importance of vision. The 1993 project led by leaders like then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh dismantled the socialist state, the so-called license raj, and embraced market-oriented policies, paving the way for India’s economic transformation. Their economic vision was clear, and policies consistently followed.

As Pakistan slowly approaches its 100th year of existence in 2047, it’s time to begin working toward a powerful and transformative vision. Pakistan2047 should be a collective aspiration, encompassing economic growth, social inclusion, and global competitiveness. We always had a plan, we lacked the bold, daring vision and visionary leadership to forge a common and prosperous future for our generations. Saudi Arabia, South Korea and India demonstrate that economic transformation can be achieved within a single generation. There is a fierce urgency of now to prioritize a vision toward a more prosperous Pakistan.