A New Era for Pakistan: Unlimited Potential by 2035 – OpEd

As Pakistan celebrates its 77th anniversary, the question arises: Where do we go from here? Despite the challenges, Pakistan stands at a crossroads of opportunity. By 2035, it is expected to be the world’s fourth-largest country, with a population of more than 300 million. Moreover, it is likely to be among the world’s six largest military powers, a major player on the global stage. With nuclear capabilities and the promise of economic growth, Pakistan has the potential to become a formidable nation in the coming decade.

Admittedly, the journey has been tumultuous. The last decade has seen a confluence of political instability, economic stagnation and growing disenfranchisement among the youth. Yet there is reason for hope. If we as a nation focus on purposeful action, Pakistan can become a superpower and Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic gold can serve as a metaphor for what lies ahead.

Arshad Nadeem: A Microcosm of Pakistan’s Struggle and Resilience

Like Pakistan, Arshad Nadeem’s path to success was anything but smooth. Born into a poor family with minimal resources, he defied the odds to win Olympic gold, break records and bring home a medal for the country after 40 long years. His journey mirrors Pakistan’s own struggles: he endured economic and political challenges but rose through sheer passion, dedication and belief.

Nadeem’s camaraderie with his Indian counterpart, Neeraj Chopra, underscores the potential for unity on the subcontinent. Their mutual respect, embraced by their families, points to something deeper. If Pakistan, India and Bangladesh can find a way to work together, they could form a powerful trading bloc by 2035, encompassing a quarter of the world’s population. With more than 2.1 billion people, the subcontinent would wield unimaginable economic and political clout.

Bangladesh: A lesson in change

My time in Bangladesh, where I have worked across 16 business sectors, gives me a unique perspective on the country’s recent upheaval. The current political turmoil, as citizens rise up against Sheikh Hasina’s undemocratic rule, offers lessons for Pakistan. Bangladeshis have a low tolerance for authoritarianism, and the long-overdue revolution is tapping into the energy of the young population. The shift in sentiment is also significant for the region. For the first time, the people of Bangladesh have questioned their pro-India stance, opening the door to a potential shift in regional dynamics.

Pakistan, with its youthful bulge, needs to pay attention. The global trend shows that younger generations have little patience for dynastic politics and dictatorial leadership. They want to take their destiny into their own hands, as evidenced by political movements across the world, from Thailand to the United Kingdom. Pakistan’s leadership must engage its youth in a meaningful way, or face a similar reckoning.

A future built on economic resilience

By 2035, Pakistan has the potential to join the top 20 economies in terms of GDP (PPP). Military power alone will not determine our future; economic self-reliance is essential. It is encouraging that the military has indicated its willingness to step back and allow the political process to proceed with minimal interference, a crucial move if Pakistan is to realise its economic potential.

New political movements, such as Awaam Pakistan, led by educated, progressive leaders, are emerging with strategies to reform the country’s broken systems. These leaders recognize the importance of sectors such as grassroots agro-processing, Gandhara-based tourism, and the inclusion of women in the workforce. If these initiatives are implemented well, Pakistan could add $100 billion to its GDP by 2035.

The way forward

The path to global power will not be easy, but Pakistan has all the ingredients to succeed. We are and will remain a nuclear power, one of the best military nations, with a young and dynamic population ready to conquer the world. However, economic resilience, political reforms and regional cooperation will be crucial.

As we celebrate 77 years of Pakistan, it is important to remember that while our journey has taken a difficult turn, the destination is still within reach. With sincere goals and purposeful action, we can secure Pakistan’s place as a global power by 2035 – one that thrives on the world stage, not just in military might, but also in economic and political leadership.