Islamabad: Pakistan’s recent economic gains are under threat from climate change and security challenges, according to Mian Zahid Hussain, a prominent business leader and former government official. While the administration has achieved significant fiscal improvements, including early debt repayment and a reduced deficit, the devastating effects of the 2025 monsoon season pose a substantial risk to this progress.

The floods have ravaged the agricultural industry, resulting in widespread crop losses, escalating food costs, and diminishing consumer morale. Hussain emphasized the disparity between the government’s success with international creditors and the struggles faced by ordinary citizens. He cautioned that the current economic stability is precarious and vulnerable to large-scale disruptions.

Beyond the immediate climate crisis, Hussain also pointed to geopolitical instability and India-backed terrorist activity as significant impediments to investment. He urged the government to take swift action, advocating for increased investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and a transparent review of flood relief funding to restore confidence among international partners. Hussain argued that sustained progress requires not only fiscal responsibility but also a dedicated effort to tackle underlying structural vulnerabilities that endanger Pakistan’s long-term economic health and societal welfare.