Protecting Pakistan's Economic Sovereignty: A New Framework for Justice

Protecting Pakistan's Economic Sovereignty: A New Framework for Justice

The Article Protecting Pakistan's Economic Sovereignty: A New Framework for Justice by Amir Jahangir was published in the Narratives Magazine.

In an era where economic stability defines the strength of nations, Pakistan must take bold steps to safeguard its future. Pakistan's economic well-being is not just about numbers—it's about sovereignty, stability, and the livelihood of millions of Pakistanis. With internal challenges and external pressures threatening this stability, there is an urgent need for a new approach and a robust strategy to defend the country’s economic agenda. This requires an Economic Justice Plan, that can aim to address economic sovereignty by legally protecting Pakistan's economic interests and ensuring accountability for those who undermine them.

A National Economic Protection Act (NEPA)

At the heart of this new strategy is the National Economic Protection Act (NEPA), a comprehensive legal framework that criminalizes any activity designed to sabotage Pakistan’s economic growth. Whether it's financial fraud, capital flight, or disrupting key national projects, such actions will be treated as a direct threat to the country’s future.

Under this plan, Article 6 of the Constitution, which currently deals with high treason, will be expanded to include economic treason. Individuals or entities found guilty of sabotaging Pakistan's economic agenda will face severe penalties, with possible life imprisonment or, in extreme cases, the death penalty. This step emphasizes the seriousness of economic sabotage, aligning it with acts of treason that threaten the nation's security.

To ensure swift justice, special economic courts should be established under Article 175. These courts, staffed with judges trained in economic and financial law, will operate independently of political influence, ensuring impartial trials for those accused of harming the national economy.

Securing the National Economic Agenda

Pakistan’s economic future is intricately tied to long-term projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), energy infrastructure, climate change investments and defense collaborations. These projects, vital to the country’s growth, must be protected from interference or disruption.

To this end, the government must create a Supreme Economic Council (SEC), a panel of experts tasked with safeguarding national economic interests. This council will advise on policies and act as a watchdog, ensuring that political or external pressures do not derail critical projects.

A National Economic Resilience Task Force will also be formed to respond to any threats to Pakistan’s economy. This body will work closely with intelligence agencies to detect and counter efforts—whether domestic or international—to destabilize key economic initiatives.

Holding Economic Saboteurs Accountable

One of the key pillars of the Economic Justice Plan is accountability. Corruption, mismanagement, and financial misconduct have long plagued public and private sectors in Pakistan, hampering growth and prosperity. To combat this, enhanced financial accountability laws will be implemented to hold individuals responsible for economic mismanagement.

Those in positions of power who misuse public resources or mismanage the economy for personal gain will face strict penalties, including disqualification from office, hefty fines, and imprisonment. This framework will ensure that no one—whether a government official or a corporate leader—can escape justice if they harm the country's economic stability. The provision of harmining the economy, will create a new mandate that currently restrics other accountability instruments to act in national interest, including the National Accountability Bureau or the Ombudsman’s office.

Moreover, mandatory audits should be introduced for all major government-led economic projects to ensure transparency and prevent corruption in concurrent with the Auditor General of Pakistan’s office.

Economic Justice for the People

Economic justice isn’t just about protecting government projects; it's about ensuring prosperity for every Pakistani. The People-Centered Economic Justice Framework should prioritize basic economic rights, ensuring job creation, fair wages, and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background.

This includes the establishment of a progressive taxation system, ensuring that the wealthy contribute their fair share to national development. Revenue generated through such a system will be reinvested in social programs and infrastructure, driving inclusive growth and reducing income inequality.

While any infrigments on the rights of the people to pursue economic prosperity should be handled with the provisions of the law. Any disrution in the citizen’s pursued of economic prosperity and progress should be criminalized and made accountable at all levels.

At the same time, public-private partnerships will be encouraged to stimulate innovation, create jobs, and uplift marginalized communities. Economic justice means ensuring that the benefits of national growth reach everyone, not just a select few.

Strengthening Legal Protections for Economic Sovereignty

Amendments to Article 175 of the Constitution can enhance the judiciary’s role in protecting Pakistan’s economic interests. Special economic courts can be empowered to handle complex financial cases swiftly and impartially, ensuring that justice is not delayed in matters of national importance.

In addition, all international agreements—particularly those relating to trade, energy, climate change, and defense—will include economic safeguard clauses to protect Pakistan's sovereignty. These clauses will ensure that no foreign entity can interfere with our economic agenda without facing legal repercussions.

Collaboration on a Global Stage

Pakistan must engage strategically with the world. The Economic Justice Plan emphasizes the importance of building partnerships with international allies in energy, defense, climate sustainbility and trade while safeguarding our economic autonomy.

By fostering these collaborations, Pakistan can drive innovation and growth, positioning itself as a key player in the global economy. At the same time, the plan can prepare Pakistan to resist any form of economic warfare—including sanctions or international policies designed to weaken the nation’s economy—through diplomatic and legal channels.

A Vision for Economic Sovereignty

The Economic Justice Plan is not just a policy; it’s a vision for a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan. By expanding Article 6 to include economic treason, establishing special economic courts under Article 175, and creating a robust accountability framework, Pakistan can protect its economic interests and ensure that no one—inside or outside the country—can undermine its future.

The supreme goal of this plan is clear: to make Pakistan’s economic prosperity the highest national priority, ensuring that the nation’s growth benefits all its people. As we stand at the crossroads of opportunity and challenge, this plan offers a clear path forward to secure Pakistan’s place in the global economy and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.

The time to act is now. Pakistan’s future depends on it.

Amir Jahangir, a global competitiveness, risk, and development expert, leads Mishal Pakistan, the country partner institute of the New Economy and Societies Platform at the World Economic Forum. He is an alumnus of the Brookings Institution's Program on Accountability for Results As a leading narratologist and an expert on Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy for technology, and governance, he is an alumnus of Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation (PON), affiliated with Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Tufts University since 2008. Jahangir is also an alumnus of the National Defence University Islamabad, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government's Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security, he can be reached at [email protected] and @amirjahangir on X/Twitter.?