A Call for Reflection on National Progress

Dear Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, 
Prime Minister of Pakistan, 

اسلام وعلیکم

As the calendar turns to 2025, I extend my heartfelt wishes to you, your family, and your team for a New Year filled with success, resilience, and progress for our beloved nation. 

The New Year provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the journey undertaken so far and to recalibrate our vision for the road ahead. With this in mind, I would like to respectfully suggest that your esteemed office takes stock of the progress made on the comprehensive nation-building strategies shared on 3 March 2024 and attached below. These encompass both short – and long-term objectives essential for Pakistan’s growth and prosperity. 

It is worth noting that, as famously expressed by Peter Drucker, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” In the same vein, it is vital to remember that the future is not ahead of us but is happening now. If Pakistan is not actively moving forward, we risk the harsh reality of regressing in an increasingly competitive global landscape. 

By assessing the progress on key areas such as economic growth, poverty alleviation (which is directly linked with population management in which we can learn a lot from Bangladesh, who since 1971 just added 110 million people vs our population increase of 180 + million during the same period),  environmental protection, education, health infrastructure, and robust and proactive foreign policy, we can ensure that our aspirations for Pakistan’s resurgence are not just words but tangible achievements. Let 2025 be the year where we commit to measurable milestones and results-driven governance. 

Your continued leadership provides the opportunity to chart a course that positions Pakistan as a beacon of hope and progress on the world stage. With a renewed commitment to the principles of meritocracy, accountability, and strategic foresight, I am confident that the vision shared on 3rd March 2024  can become a reality. 

May Allah (SWT) guide you in your responsibilities, and may your leadership leave an indelible mark on Pakistan’s history. 

With prayers and best regards, 

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad 
+92 321 9402157 
Lahore 
December 31, 2024

3 March 2024
Dear Mr. Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister Pakistan,

اسلام وعلیکم

I extend my warmest congratulations on your resounding election by the National Assembly of Pakistan to lead our nation as its Prime Minister for the next five years.
Your today’s speech in the National Assembly comprehensively addressed key issues crucial for propelling our country forward. While commendable, I suggest future considerations include acknowledging the invaluable partnership with China, a steadfast ally. I encourage your early engagement with China to further strengthen our bilateral ties.
As an esteemed leader, you are likely familiar with Dr. Henry Kissinger’s timeless wisdom: “The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been.” Additionally, Dr. James Leong’s insights on leadership, particularly exemplified by Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s transformative governance in Singapore, underscore the importance of meritocracy in team selection.
Given the weight of your responsibilities, selecting a capable Chief of Staff is paramount. This individual should possess a wealth of experience in navigating the complexities of governance, both domestically and internationally, with a steadfast commitment to public service and the welfare of our citizens.
Moreover, from the day one, you will receive suggestions and summaries about increasing rent, rates and taxes to run the affairs of the government, which will further break the back of the poor, lower middle- and middle-class population, as was done during the previous 16 months tenure of the PDM government. In this regard, the best solution was to assign the task to the concerned suggesting such enhancements to reverse the current ratio of 20% direct taxation and 80% indirect taxation; and put a cut of 50% in not only the salaries of the senior government officials, but in their perks and TA/DA as well.
Your commitment to merit-based appointments is laudable and pivotal in shaping an effective administration. This responsibility entrusted upon you by Allah (SWT) necessitates the formation of a team that will leave a lasting legacy, steering Pakistan towards prosperity and fulfillment of its potential.
As history reveals, personalities shape destinies. Hence, the strategic significance of ministries, particularly Finance, Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Defense, cannot be overstated. Foreign policy, in particular, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our national interests and fostering international cooperation.
The importance of Foreign Ministry can be gauged by the following famous quote of the late US President John F. Kennedy:
Quote. “Domestic policy can only defeat us; Foreign policy kill us.” Unquote.
Looking ahead, envisioning Pakistan’s trajectory by 2029 is imperative. I propose ambitious yet achievable targets encompassing economic growth, poverty alleviation, environmental stewardship, and social development.
I will suggest the following stage for Pakistan in 2029:

1. Exports: $150 billion

2. GDP:      $1000 billion

3. Foreign Loans: $50 billion

4. 100 million population to be taken above the poverty line of having income above $2/day.

5. Pollution control and environmental protection laws to be strictly implemented all over the country.

6. Area under forest cover to be tripled in five years.

7. All school going kids to be provided the facility of schools.

8. Excellent health facilities at all Tehsils.

9. Provision of Clean drinking water facilities at all Tehsil levels.

10. Completely autonomous and authorised local bodies system in place all over the country.

11. Aim for minimum 5 gold medals in the 2028 Olympic Games and 10 gold medals in the 2026 Asian Games.

12. All major cities to have efficient garbage collection mechanism.

13. Turnaround of all the government organisations to make them profitable.

14. All district headquarters to have efficient public transport system.

15. Worth of Rupee to improve so its values stay at Rupees 150 to a USD.

16. All divisional headquarter cities to be upgraded as smart cities.

17. Last but not the least, inculcating the rule of law in the genes of the Pakistani population, for which the top echelons of the society must set personal examples to fully abdicate the VIP culture.

The above targets can only be achieved by revamping our entire civil service and reforms in Police, Judicial and taxation systems, and by redefining our foreign policy, which should be completely aligned towards achieving the above national interests. Moreover, specific suggestions for a fast track national growth and development in key sectors are provide at article titled ‘Navigating Storm: Uniting Pakistan Through Goals’  Link :-  https://www.snayyar.com/navigating-storm-uniting-pakistan-through-shared-goals.html
Reinvigorating our foreign office demands a paradigm shift in mindset and approach. Empowering our diplomatic corps to act as proactive agents of change and economic ambassadors for Pakistan is indispensable. This transformation requires visionary leadership and strategic investments in training and capacity-building.

In conclusion, I offer my sincerest wishes for success in your endeavors. May your tenure be marked by transformative leadership, steadfast commitment to our nation’s ideals, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of every Pakistani.

With utmost respect and best regards,

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
+92 321 9402157
Lahore.
March 3, 2024