Think before you cut

According to some reports, the right-sizing committee has recommended reducing staff posts in the secretariats of the ministries of science and technology, commerce, housing and works, national food security and research and related departments by 30 per cent. Like US President-elect Donald Trump, I too believe in cutting waste in government. However, such measures should be implemented only after careful study and discussion. In 2024, Pakistan ranked 91st out of 133 economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII), which evaluates a country’s innovation capabilities.

The annual urban housing gap stands between 3.5 and 4 million units, with 62 per cent of the shortfall affecting economically weaker segments of the population. The Economic Complexity Index (ECI), which ranks countries based on the complexity and diversity of their exports, is a reliable predictor of future growth and explains income disparities across nations. Pakistan ranked 84th on the index in 2022, while India ranked at 40th. Additionally, in the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI), Pakistan ranked 109th out of 127. It is hoped that the government will appoint qualified individuals with the necessary knowledge and experience to address these pressing issues effectively.

Syed Hussein El-Edroos

Islamabad