Because the Elite in Pakistan are at the end scum. Every country has elite - the US, Europe, India and so on - but a healthy percentage of them in those countries contribute back to society in terms of finding long term projects - cure a disease, create a technology company, advance education and so on. They understand that by having a thriving system they will themselves prosper.
That percentage in Pakistan is technically non existent. They are so self centered and apathetic to the country that other than idiotically thinking they are tricking Allah into some bargain by paying for langar or building a mosque now and then that they have no interest other than hoarding wealth by cannibalism of the country instead of cultivating it.
When we as expats were given any choice to invest. Any fellow in Pakistan would be asked to go and have a look at property scenario in Pakistan. Too many fraudster societies out there. It filtered down to Bahria and DHA, then others like Abdalian society etc, basically the ones in which people are well known. Property investment was considered safe.
The entrepreneur side of things were considered risky, and also requiring too much effort. Many had plans, we have money, we will do this, so that, but in the end the only safe bet was to buy a plot.
We can blame the elite, but when you see the line at Tim Hortons, it’s clear that elite were not there. The elite had their coffees and donuts delivered to them. It was the public standing in line with money in their pockets. Elites don’t stand in lines.
Public had money but you can’t expect the elite to guide them what to do. In fact in these times, everyone thinks of themselves as Einstein’s who know what’s best for them and will listen to an advice/suggestion from one ear and throw out from other.
Still there were start ups in different sectors like digitise media, e commerce, coding etc however the land of opportunity is seen as the west. Those who want to fight the inflation leave for gulf.
In the industrial side of things, some still managed through power options like solar and generators but eventually these temporary solutions are not long term. Sialkot and faisalabad didn’t become industrial hubs from cottage factories.
We can blame the elite for setting trends, but the public managed to become influencers on tik tok. There are still projects by dare devils in Pakistan but they tend to fight the system and inching forward becomes an ordeal.
My concern stands at R&D and technological advancement which soar through universities and organisations whether private or public, but investment to produce a niche or a top level product are non existent. Pakistan is stuck at Chinese mobiles, while Samsung is out there beating Nokia, Motorola and Siemens while competing directly against iPhone. It’s the clothes or basic items with tags made in Pakistan.