Shehbaz Sharif 'ashamed' as Bangladesh edges Pakistan in economic growth

While lamenting its economy which is in shambles, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that 'East Pakistan', present-day Bangladesh, was perceived as a 'burden' on the nation's shoulders, however, it is no more a case as the country has now achieved strides in economic growth.

In a thought-provoking remark, he also expressed a sense of shame as Bangladesh within nearly 50 years of its independence in 1971 got ahead of Pakistan in terms of its GDP per capita.

In 2016, Bangladesh passed Pakistan for the first time with $1,659 GDP per capita compared to Pakistan's $1,468. Since then, Bangladesh has kept its lead. In 2023, Pakistan's GDP per capita income was $1,471, while Bangladesh's was $2,528.

In an interactive session with Pakistani business leaders at the Sindh CM House in Karachi on Wednesday (Apr 24), Sharif reminisced, “I was quite young when... we were told that it’s a burden on our shoulders...Today you all know where that ‘burden’ has reached (in terms of economic growth)." He added, “And we feel ashamed when we look towards them."

It is pertinent to note that 'East Pakistan' faced several economic challenges during its time as part of Pakistan. 'West Pakistan', with greater political power, reportedly received a disproportionate share of the country's resources which led to neglect and underdevelopment in 'East Pakistan'.

While Sharif held the meeting to strategise for economic growth, the business leaders also expressed concerns about political instability in Pakistan following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is now languishing in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

In addition to this, they suggested initiating trade talks with India to benefit Pakistan's economy.

However, New Delhi has time and again made it clear that there is no possibility of trade with Pakistan as long as the country continues to sponsor cross-border terrorism.