State of economy in 2017 amid criticism

Abstract

“Highest GDP growth was recorded in a decade, as Pakistan’s economy is flourishing; there is no issue of debt retirement.” “Economy is in bad shape, so there is a need to declare financial emergency; Pakistan would require $35 billion in next 12-18 months.” The two contradictory statements on the state of economy in 2017 – first from the treasury benches and second from their critics – are slightly exaggerating. Neither everything is hunky-dory on economic front as portrayed by the government, nor is it as bad as apprehended by the critics. Ln 2017 too, the economy of Pakistan remained held hostage to political economy considerations and different socio-political developments.