Modernising industry.

High-growth industries in Pakistan were in trouble even beyond the economy went haywire, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) criticising the sector's lack of action plans or other clearly defined long-term growth models that could benefit them, let alone the country's workforce. Industrial policy has long been driven by protectionism, populism and cronyism, which is why several industries refuse to modernise or become competitive, while several others have been kept alive for political reasons, and a disproportionate number of politicians and their kin become successful 'industrialists' within a few years of being elected.

The ADB offered Singapore's industrial development plans as an example of how Pakistan can 'explicitly consider how innovation and technology will transform jobs and skills in each industry'. It is notable that the industries examined in Pakistan as having growth potential are relatively small in Singapore - textile and garment manufacturing, and IT and business process outsourcing. While the former forms the cornerstone of Pakistan's industry, it has failed to modernise and is now reliant on government...