100-day policy to set tone for future policies: VC
By Khalid Amin

ISLAMABAD—The 100-day policy to be announced by the Prime Minster Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani will set the tone for future policies of the country and will form base for the next financial budget as well as economic development programmes.
This was stated by Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Dr.Rashid Amjad in an interview with newsmen here on Wednesday.
He said that Pakistan is facing challenges which need to be addressed immediately with comprehensive policy decisions, adding that adhocism should be avoided for the sustainable economic development.
“We are facing challenges like global economic pressure due to higher energy and food prices, macro economic imbalances and lack of investment decisions”, he remarked.
The PIDE VC said that government will have to formalize sustainable economic policies ensure efficiency, equity and poverty alleviation oriented decision to achieve the desired results.
He suggested for establishing a social protection network for the pooradding that it can be ensured only by providing decent job opportunities for the people specially the low income group.
He said that Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) would be strengthened making it a leading global research organization in guiding the policy makers in achieving the objectives of effective, equatable economic and social justice for the socio economic prosperity of the country.
He added that PIDE has become a leading research institution and ranking top ten institutions in Asia.
“We want to further strengthen the research and teaching process to make it one of the leading research institution in the world”, he remarked.
Dr.Amjad said that in the Autumn Programme 2007 formal programme of teaching PHd,M Phil and MBA programmes has been started in the institute.
He disclosed that Central Development Party (CDWP) has approved a project at a cost of Rs.200 million to PIDE for strengthening of teaching and research facilities of the institute.
The VC PIDE said that under the programme foreign visiting professors in the institute would deliver lectures to the students and also share their knowledge and expertise with the faculty members of the institute.
Dr.Rashid Amjad further said that two new faculties of Environment Economics and Health Economics would be introduced soon.
He added that the post of Chief Economists in the Planning Commission would further be strengthen to ensure the effective and proper implementation of the government polices for the socio economic prosperity of the country.
Economic experts and professionals should now work in decision making process like professionals and not by the spin doctors to meet economic challenges being faced by the country.