The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) recently organized its first-ever think tank moot in Islamabad, bringing together experts, policymakers, and academics to discuss critical issues facing the country.
The two-day event featured panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions on a wide range of topics, including economic growth, sustainable development, social welfare, and political stability.
The think tank moot was attended by renowned economists, scholars, and policy experts from Pakistan and abroad, including former finance minister Dr. Hafiz Pasha, renowned economist Dr. Ishrat Hussain, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative in Pakistan Teresa Daban Sanchez.
The think tank moot can help promote critical thinking among participants by encouraging them to challenge assumptions, consider alternative perspectives, and evaluate evidence.
The PIDE Chairman, Dr. Asad Zaman, opened the moot by highlighting the importance of think tanks in shaping policy decisions and promoting evidence-based research. He stressed that PIDE is committed to advancing knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and informing public policy in Pakistan.
The first panel discussion focused on economic growth and featured presentations on various aspects of the economy, such as the agriculture sector, industrial development, and foreign investment. The panelists agreed that Pakistan needs to take bold steps to improve the investment climate, attract more foreign investment, and diversify its exports to sustain long-term economic growth.
The second panel discussion focused on social welfare and sustainable development, with presentations on health, education, and environmental sustainability.
The panelists highlighted the need for the government to invest more in social welfare programs, particularly in health and education, to promote human development and reduce poverty.
The third and final panel discussion focused on political stability and featured presentations on the role of political parties, media, and civil society in promoting democratic governance in Pakistan. The panelists emphasized the need for greater transparency, accountability, and citizen participation to strengthen democratic institutions and promote political stability in the country.
The think tank moot provided a platform for experts, policymakers, and academics to exchange ideas and share research findings.
In addition to the panel discussions, the think tank moot also included interactive sessions and networking opportunities for the attendees to exchange ideas, share best practices, and establish new collaborations.
Overall, the PIDE think tank moot was a significant step in advancing public policy discourse and promoting evidence-based research in Pakistan. The event provided a platform for experts, policymakers, and academics to engage in meaningful discussions on critical issues facing the country and explore innovative solutions to address them. The success of the event demonstrates the importance of think tanks in informing public policy and shaping the future of Pakistan.
Encouraging Evidence-Based Research:
The think tank moot provided a platform for experts, policymakers, and academics to exchange ideas and share research findings. Through panel discussions and interactive sessions, the participants had the opportunity to present their research and engage in debates, which can help promote evidence-based research in Pakistan.
Informing Public Policy:
By bringing together policymakers, experts, and academics, the think tank moot can help inform public policy decisions. The discussions and presentations can provide insights into critical issues facing the country and offer innovative solutions to address them.
Fostering Collaboration:
The think tank moot can help establish new collaborations between academics, policymakers, and experts, both within Pakistan and abroad. The networking opportunities provided by the event can help foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, which can lead to new research and policy initiatives.
Promoting Critical Thinking:
The think tank moot can help promote critical thinking among participants by encouraging them to challenge assumptions, consider alternative perspectives, and evaluate evidence. This can help promote intellectual curiosity and rigorous analysis, which can ultimately lead to better policy decisions.
Enhancing the Reputation of PIDE:
By organizing the think tank moot, PIDE can enhance its reputation as a leading research institution in Pakistan. The event can help raise awareness of PIDE’s research capabilities and promote its role in informing public policy decisions in Pakistan.
