Pakistan's economy hit new lows in the aftermath of the nuclear tests in 1998. Since then the economic reform efforts of the government have managed to stabilize the fiscal, monetary, external debt, and reserve indicators. This has, however, not led to the resumption of growth. It was, therefore, important to discuss the various social, economic and political issues arising out of this situation, and to come up with viable suggestions for improvement. Mr. Naqvi strongly believed that no improvement is possible in the economy and politics of Pakistan unless the state ideology is clearly defined, declared and practiced. Guest Speaker's presentation spanned about half an hour and was followed by about an hour of discussion.

Mr. Shoaib Raza Naqvi is currently associated with the Financial and Private Sector Development Department, Europe and Central Asia Region of the World Bank in Washington, DC. Previously Mr. Naqvi worked for The Industrial Bank of Japan, Ltd. and for Sony Corporation in Tokyo. Mr. Naqvi holds masters degrees, in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, and in International Relations from the International University of Japan in Niigata, Japan.