PM takes notice of future after ordering it cancelled

For two decades, I have strived to instill a long-term perspective in Pakistan's institutions, encouraging them to think in decades rather than mere news cycles. My work, including the Pakistan State of Future Index (PK-SOFI), aimed to measure the nation's progress against its own long-range indicators. I have engaged with international bodies like the National Intelligence Council and the UK Cabinet Office's Horizon Scanning unit, observing how seriously other nations prioritize anticipation.

Yet, the question persists: why does foresight struggle to gain traction in Pakistan? It is not due to a lack of talent or awareness. The fundamental issue is that foresight is not publicly institutionalized. It is not a standard step in drafting budgets, approving plans, or setting ministry priorities. No standing government body is mandated to systematically engage in future-oriented analysis.

This absence means that Pakistan consistently misses opportunities to proactively shape its future. Without a dedicated focus on anticipation, policy decisions remain reactive, constrained by immediate concerns rather than guided by strategic foresight. The discipline of looking ahead, a practice embraced by many developed nations, remains an elusive goal for Pakistan's public policy landscape.