Cultural change for economy

THE topic of Pakistan’s non-ending economic quagmire elicits many proposals, some good, some reworded, and some repetitive. Rarely, if ever, is there a discussion on cultural aspects impinging on economic outcomes. I argue that, for the economic transformation of the country, cultural change is as important as factors like investment, savings, fiscal policy, etc. Importantly, the argument centres not just on government and governance — which are the usual targets, for good reason — but also on society. What follows is a brief description of where and what aspects need a change. Let us start with the sensitive topic of religion. When we talk of the economic performance we would like to emulate, one inescapable conclusion is that religion takes a back seat in the affairs of the state and society and has a temperate, minor influence. Pakistan, however, represents the case of a country and society where faith and extreme attitudes are deeply woven into the fabric of society, as shown recently in an excellent survey by Dr Durre-e-Nayab and her team (PIDE Basics Survey).