Experts Warn: Pakistan Needs Economic Reforms, Cybersecurity Measures, and Modern Financial Framework

Economic and cybersecurity experts have warned that Pakistan must focus on building strong economic foundations and improving digital security instead of relying only on traditional safety measures. They stressed that future wars will not be fought with tanks and weapons, but through economic sanctions, cyberattacks, and digital economies.

Renowned economist Dr. Aneel Salman said, “Pakistan does not need fire protection anymore; it needs strong economic foundations. For 76 years, we have ignored export-led growth, which has left us behind other countries in the region.”

Cybersecurity expert Dr. Khurram cautioned that quantum computing will make current encryption systems ineffective in the coming decade. He said, “Pakistan faces three major cybersecurity challenges: outdated technology, uncoordinated policies, and lack of public awareness. On top of that, 99% of Pakistanis use weak passwords, which is the biggest cause of cyberattacks.”

Digital currency analyst Murtaza highlighted both the opportunities and risks of cryptocurrency. According to him, “Pakistan must develop a principles-based regulatory framework for cryptocurrency instead of a rigid rule-based one. This will ensure compliance with Shariah while preventing the country from falling behind in the global digital economy race.”

Banking sector specialist Syed Saim Ali said, “Pakistan’s banking sector is strong, but government borrowing has hurt the private sector. Banks have money, but heavy government loans block private investment and growth. Expanding digital banking at the grassroots level is urgently needed.”

Former finance official Rana Ahsan Afzal criticized short-term populist measures, stating, “Subsidies given for public popularity forced Pakistan to bow down before the IMF. Cheap electricity and gas subsidies destroyed the economy. Reforms are now inevitable.” He added that strengthening local governments is essential for sustainable economic development.

Experts unanimously agreed that Pakistan urgently needs economic reforms, export growth policies, stronger cybersecurity, and a principled digital economy framework to prepare for upcoming global challenges.