THE MUSHARRAF DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY: WILL IT DELIVER?

Abstract

The paper examines the major components of the development strategy pursued by the Musharraf regime since it took over in 1999 (called “ The Musharraf Development Strategy”). It examines the extent to which it departs from the development strategy followed in the more recent past as well as some of the new directions taken. The paper analyses some of the “strengths” and “weaknesses” of the strategy both in terms of its own objectives as well as by measuring its performance against standard socio-economic indicators related to macro stability, inflation, poverty and employment. It identifies some of the key issues which need attention of policy makers in formulating a sustainable development strategy for Pakistan.