Pakistan’s Country Economic Memorandum - From Swimming in Sand to High and Sustainable Growth - A roadmap to reduce distortions in the allocation of resources and talent in the Pakistani economy

Jul 19, 2026

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Pakistan’s Country Economic Memorandum lays out a policy roadmap for moving from low-productivity “distortions” toward high and sustainable growth. It focuses on reducing misallocation of resources and talent across the Pakistani economy, aiming to improve efficiency, job creation, and long-run competitiveness. Prepared by World Bank staff with external contributions, the report emphasizes evidence-based analysis while outlining practical directions for reforms. The document provides context, acknowledgement of contributors, and framing for subsequent analytical chapters and recommendations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time50 min

AccessFree to download

Acknowledgments

Project team and guidance

Contributors and peer review

Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized From Swimming in Sand to High and Sustainable Growth A roadmap to reduce distortions in the allocation of resources and talent in the Pakistani economy Pakistan’s Country Economic Memorandum From Swimming in Sand to High and Sustainable Growth A roadmap to reduce distortions in the allocation of resources and talent in the Pakistani economy Pakistan’s Country Economic Memorandum 2022 This work is the product of the staﬀ of the World Bank with external contributions. The ϐindings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this event do not necessarily reϐlect the views of the World Bank, the Executive Directors ofthe World Bank orthe governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work, and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respect tothe use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. [www.worldbank.org](www.worldbank.org) [www.worldbank.org/Pakistan](www.worldbank.org/Pakistan) Acknowledgments This report was prepared under the guidance of Najy Benhassine (Country Director, Pakistan), Zoubida Allaoua (Regional Director, Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions), Shabih Ali Mohib and Manuela Francisco (Practice Managers, Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment) by a core team of Gonzalo J. Varela (co-Task Team Leader and Senior Economist, Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment), Zehra Aslam (co-Task Team Leader and Economist, Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment), Andreas Eberhard (Economist, Jobs), Aroub Farooq (Analyst, Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment), Veronica Michel Gutierrez,(Analyst, Jobs), Alen Mulabdic, (Economist, Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment), Rafay Khan (Economist, Finance Competitiveness and Innovation), Roberto Fattal Jaef (Senior Economist, Macro Research Group), Stefania Lovo (Associate Professor, University of Reading), Balazs Murakozy (Associate Professor, University of Liverpool), Federico Ganz (Consultant, Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment), Abid Burki (Professor, Lahore University of Management Sciences), Joseϐina Seizer (Consultant, Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment) . The team is grateful to Hans Timmer (SAR Chief Economist), Cecile Fruman (Director, SARRE), Gailius Draugelis (Operations Manager, SACPK), Mustapha K. Nabli (Consultant, ESADR), Mary Hallward-Driemeier (Senior Adviser, Trade, Investment and Competitiveness), Shafaat Yar Khan (Economist, EAP Chief Economist Ofϐice), Willem Janssen (Lead Agriculture Economist, Agriculture), Hans Jansen (Senior Agriculture Economist, Agriculture), Charles Schneider (Senior Operations Ofϐicer, International Financial Corporation), Moritz Meyer (Senior Economist, Poverty), Uzma Quresh (Senior Social Development Specialist, Social Sustainability and Inclusion), Ali Qureshi (Social Protection Specialist, Jobs), Namoos Zaheer (Senior Financial Sector Specialist, Finance Competitiveness and Innovation), Silvia Redaelli (Senior Economist, Poverty), Derek Chen (Senior Country Economist, Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment), Murtaza Muzaﬀari (Economist, , Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment), Mukhtar ul Hassan (Economist, Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment), Florian Blum (Senior Economist, Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment), Tobias Haque (Lead Country Economist, , Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment), Adnan Ghumman (Senior Country Economist, Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment), Abed Khalil (Sector Leader, Sustainable Development), Elwyn Davies (Senior Economist, Finance Competitiveness a

FAQs

What is the main focus of Pakistan’s Country Economic Memorandum?

It provides a roadmap for Pakistan to achieve high and sustainable growth by reducing distortions in the allocation of resources and talent.

Who prepared the memorandum?

The report was prepared under World Bank guidance with a core team and external contributions, and it acknowledges many practice managers, economists, consultants, and advisors.

What does the title’s theme “from swimming in sand to high and sustainable growth” imply?

It signals a transition away from inefficient outcomes caused by economic distortions toward improved efficiency and long-term growth.

Jul 19, 2026

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