On Thursday, 3 October, 2024, Dr. Rashid Amjad, Dean of School of Social Sciences, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore delivered a lecture to the participants of 36^th SMC on “Role of Foreign Economic Assistance in Pakistan’s Economy”.

Dr. Rashid Amjad provided a detailed analysis of Foreign Economic Assistance (FEA) and its critical role in shaping Pakistan’s economy. He began by explaining the concept of FEA, highlighting its importance for developing countries like Pakistan, particularly in financing development projects and addressing fiscal deficits.

Dr. Amjad reviewed the trends in foreign assistance to Pakistan, noting the shifts in aid patterns over the years and how geopolitical dynamics influence these trends. He examined the impact of donor assistance on Pakistan’s economic growth, emphasizing both the benefits and potential dependencies it creates.

The talk also covered the challenges Pakistan faces in negotiating with multilateral organizations like the World Bank, IMF, and other international financial institutions (IFIs). Dr. Amjad discussed the complexities of these interactions, including conditionalities that may conflict with domestic policy goals.

Finally, he explored the political economy of FEA, addressing how political factors, both domestic and international, influence the flow and effectiveness of foreign aid.