Let's Talk Development

by Consortium for Development Policy Research

The Consortium for Development Policy Research (CDPR) and the International Growth Centre (IGC) are excited to launch their podcast series ‘Let’s Talk Development’.

This is a podcast about understanding Pakistan’s crucial economic and development problems. We engage experts in exploring critical development issues and trends in Pakistan. New episodes come out every two weeks.

The views and opinions expressed in t ... 

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Social Sciences

Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • Unpacking Pakistan's Poverty

    Unpacking Pakistan's Poverty

    S01 E10
    40:45

    Widespread poverty has plagued Pakistan for decades. In 2022, 21.9% of the population was reported to be living below the National Poverty Line. The recent economic crisis has worsened this state of affairs and has doubled concerns about the disproportionate impact of rising poverty on the lives of Pakistan's population, particularly those segments that are already poor and disadvantaged. Dr. Ijaz Nabi and Dr. Imran Rasul delved deep into these issues in the latest episode and discussed the merits of cash vs in-kind social protection in the Pakistani context.

  • Is India broken?

    Is India broken?

    S01 E09
    51:58

    Many analysts and observers of India's economy are proclaiming that India's moment has arrived and it is now poised to rival China in terms of economic prosperity. However, Dr. Ashoka Mody, a Professor of Economics at Princeton University with rich experience in the global economy, contradicts this assertion by saying that India is still mired in deep economic malaise. Let's listen to his insights as they also hold relevance for Pakistan.

  • Productivity in Pakistan: Why Did We Fall Behind?

    Productivity in Pakistan: Why Did We Fall Behind?

    S01 E08
    35:45

    Why did Pakistan fall so far behind in terms of growth from its neighbours? To what extent was this due to low worker productivity? How do we measure worker productivity? How do exports and women working in the labour force help increase productivity? In this episode, Dr. Ijaz Nabi and Dr. Gonzalo Varela answer these questions.

  • Leveraging Alliances to Resolve Pakistan's Conflicts

    Leveraging Alliances to Resolve Pakistan's Conflicts

    S01 E07
    48:14

    The recent global developments including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, China’s growing regional footprint in South Asia, and the intensifying global strategic competition between China and the United States reinforce new and significant geopolitical trends for Pakistan. Uzair Younus and Arifa Noor discuss how in this situation, Pakistan should leverage its relationships with its allies, including the United States and China, to ameliorate its various internal and external conflicts. They also discuss how the economic and political crises taking root in Pakistan affect the country’s access to world capital for investment and growth starting with the resumption of the IMF program.Uzair Younus is the director of the Pakistan Initiative at the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center. Arifa Noor is a journalist.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of CDPR or any of its affiliates.

  • Why Are Pakistanis Leaving the Country?

    Why Are Pakistanis Leaving the Country?

    S01 E06
    47:33

    Recently, we have seen people from across the class spectrum migrate to other countries at a level never seen before. Dr. Ali Khan and Mohsin Hamid discuss some of the leading causes responsible for driving the crisis of international migration in Pakistan, including an intensifying economic crisis and political turmoil, surging terrorism, and constant threats of natural disasters.Dr. Ali Khan is the Dean at Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School for Humanities and Social Sciences, LUMS. Mohsin Hamid is an acclaimed Pakistani author—his major works include The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Moth Smoke, Exit West, and The Last White Man.