Dr. Salman Shah (Advisor to Punjab Government):Prime Minister Imran Khan is keen to uplift the agriculture sector in the country. Another focus of the government is on the agriculture transformation plan in order to support the farmers in terms of provision of quality seeds and an infrastructure that could support the farmers to export their commodities to the international market. The farmers need the support of the government to increase their income that will reduce inflation in the country as well. It is good news that our farmers are ready to adopt reforms to increase per acre growth. The agriculture sector would be revamped on modern lines to benefit both growers and the country. The government believes in strengthening farmers that will also make our country strong.

Dr. Alia Hashmi (Economist): It is unfortunate that Pakistan had never given much thought or importance to its agriculture sector in the past. The fact is there is a need to boost this sector keeping in view our increasing population size. The agriculture sector growth is contingent on favorable weather conditions. There is a strong relationship between agriculture and climate temperature, floods and other aspects of weather that finally affect economic performance including agriculture production, commodity prices and finally economic growth. Agriculture is the mainstay of Pakistan’s economy, accounting for almost a fifth of the economy and 42 per cent of the workforce. There is a need that we must start embracing modern agriculture technology and innovation to protect and enhance the natural resource base while increasing productivity. 

 Dr. Shahid Hassan Siddiqui (Economist): Agriculture sector plays an important role in the economy of our country. Majority of our population is relying on this sector. Unfortunately, per acre growth in Pakistan is less than our neighboring countries. There is a need to adopt certain research-based policies to increase per acre growth. Pakistan should strive to create a self-sufficient agricultural sector, one that can provide food security for its people rather than rely on other countries to meet its food supply needs. The government must embrace technological innovation to boost its ailing agricultural sector, which contributes around 25 per cent of the country’s domestic economy. The adoption of modern technology in agriculture sector will allow this sector to be more profitable, efficient, safer and environmentally friendly.

Tahir Khan (Expert on Afghan Affairs): India has no role in Afghan peace process. It is Pakistan that has facilitated the direct talks between the United States and Taliban and is convinced that an intra-Afghan dialogue is crucial to peace and stability in the war-torn country. India must be ashamed of to engage the Afghan Taliban in Qatar after having supported operations against the insurgent group for a long time. Afghan Taliban are advancing after US withdrawal and captured important districts of the country. The policies of the present Afghan government are making the situation in Afghanistan more critical. The irresponsible statements of Afghan officials are making the situation worst. The Afghan government must have to adopt flexible attitude for peaceful and stable Afghanistan.