Pasban Democratic Party has demanded the government to implement rationing of resources as a preemptive measure to deal with possible inflation and severe economic crisis due to the war, and demanded that Pakistan play an active diplomatic role to de-escalate the conflict.
In a statement, the party’s General Secretary Iqbal Hashmi warned today that a prolonged war would negatively affect oil supplies and that the country needed to plan ahead to mitigate undesirable consequences.
Predicting significant domestic impacts, he said the return of the Pakistani workforce from Gulf countries would lead to an increase in unemployment and a decrease in remittances. He warned that this would further increase poverty and create considerable difficulties for the country’s balance of payments.
On foreign policy, Hashmi stressed that Pakistan should play an active role in stopping the war. He recommended a review of the country’s Afghan policy in light of the delicate regional situation and urged vigilance regarding India, which he claimed might try to take undue advantage of the circumstances.
The party official also advocated for the appointment of a competent and experienced individual to the post of foreign affairs.
Hashmi noted the potential for an increase in exports due to the weak local currency and the regional conflict, pointing out that the lack of available vessels could hinder this opportunity.
At the domestic level, he called for the revival of the civil defense system and the training of youth in it. He further suggested that basic education on dealing with a war situation be included in school and college curricula.
Hashmi also stressed that arrangements should be made to raise awareness among laborers for the protection of industrial zones. “War is not a solution to any problem; the strength of the national economy is the country’s best defense,” he concluded.