KARACHI: The book launching ceremony of “Alternative to the IMF and Other Out of the Box Solutions” by Dr Shahida Wizarat was held on Thursday. The Chief Guest was Bashir Janmohammad, Chancellor IoBM.

The speakers on the occasion were Ambassador Hasan Javed; Engineer Abdul Jabbar, VP FPCCI; and Azhar Jamil, Chairman Citizens Alliance and Qaumi Mahaz-e-Azadi.

During his Welcome Address, Talib Karim, President IoBM said that the IMF has been in the news particularly with regards to Pakistan’s economy.

He urged the need to develop a short-term strategy on how to repay debts that Pakistan owes. “I hope that the right people will read this book and implement the ideas presented,” he added. Ambassador Hasan Javed said, “This book is a remarkable edition on the literature of this subject. It should be read by political leaders and scholars in developing countries.” Ambassador Javed added that the book includes a list of economic problems with strategic clarity.

“Dr. Wizarat’s insights and knowledge on economics is for a global audience,” he added. He said that Pakistan has resources, but lacks resourcefulness.

Engineer Abdul Jabbar said that the sixty-seven chapters of the book touches on past economic events that altered Pakistan’s relations with the IMF.

He said, “IMF’s decisions and policies should be scrutinized by the developing countries to resolve their economic crisis.” Engineer Jabbar added that, “Dr Wizarat presents solutions to an array of economic problems.”

Azhar Jamil said that Pakistan had an opportunity to put its house in order during the rule of Pervez Musharraf. He added that the tax structure should be equally distributed among the citizens as the burden is more on the poor.

“We need to present a detailed reform agenda that is approved by a national consensus to give Pakistan’s economic solutions.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023