No. 1- Why have MKRF, Geo and Jang Group launched the Ker Dalo, Pakistan Ke Liye campaign?
Ans. The Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Foundation (MKRF) is a non-profit, Section 42 company. Established with the purpose of advocating on critical national issues, MKRF strives to shape public mindsets and behaviours through transparent and effective narratives. These advocacy campaigns aim to raise awareness and facilitate informed decision-making. In the past, MKRF has spearheaded campaigns addressing important national issues such as Education, Health, Regional Peace, Governance, Population, Anti-women Laws and Women Empowerment, Climate Change, and Economic Development.
Geo and Jang Group is the largest media conglomerate of the country. It servs as a direct channel to connect with the people of Pakistan and engage with the government as well political leadership.
In collaboration, MKRF and Geo-Jang Group have initiated an endeavour aimed at proposing solutions to Pakistan’s current economic challenges. This initiative seeks to unite the wealth of corporate leadership and talent within Pakistan, communicate complex economic concepts in accessible terms to the general populace, and cultivate widespread support for the necessary tough decisions ahead. We believe that this collaborative effort is imperative given the current circumstances.
No. 2- Why is media getting involved in economy and politics?
Ans: Amidst a pressing economic crisis of existential magnitude in Pakistan, the Ker Dalo Pakistan Ke Liye campaign is launched with a clear mandate: to delineate the nation’s challenges, offer viable solutions, and urge the government to take decisive action. Additionally, it aims to instill positivity and optimism among the Pakistani populace, fostering unity in support of the government’s efforts to navigate the country through this crisis. Recognizing the pivotal role of media, economic, and corporate leadership, the campaign endeavours to align these stakeholders on a unified front.
No. 3- Who has come up with these solutions and interventions?
Ans.Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Foundation and Geo & Jang Group first framed the most important economic problems of the country. Then we discussed these problems with some of the largest business organizations in the country as well as a cross section of corporate leaders and economists. We then set up a Steering Committee comprising the top economists, CEOs and academia. Proposed solutions to these problems were developed as a result of these consultations. The solutions and critical elements of the campaign, including data, was also reviewed by a larger Advisory Board comprising the CEOs, economists, academia, renowned consulting companies and officials of relevant state economic institutions.
No. 4- What is the source of the data you have used?
Ans: The accuracy of data stands as one of the paramount factors in any strategic decision-making process. We have meticulously gathered economic data from the following sources:
(Disclaimer: Although data has been accumulated from credible, current sources and has been vetted by research departments of several research-based companies, economists etc., but there may be some variation due to the dynamic and changing nature of data and its interpretation.
No.5- What is the timeline of these interventions?
Ans. Ker Dalo Pakistan Ke Liye campaign has initially been planned for 4-6 months. It will be a very intense campaign on all channels of Geo, all Jang Group publications and digital platforms. The effectiveness of the campaign will be assessed through independent, third-party professional research firms. Depending on feedback and other relevant factors, the campaign may be extended beyond the initially budgeted period.
No.6: Who are your corporate sponsors?
Ans. We have three categories of sponsors, partners and supporters. The first category consists of organizations that have not only encouraged the launch of this campaign but have also contributed to its development and are partially funding it. The second category comprises organizations and individuals who have played an active role in shaping the strategy and framework of the campaign, including generating and vetting data. The third category consists of a broader audience of people and organizations who were previewed the campaign before its launch, and from whom we sought feedback and suggestions.
No.7: Who has paid for this campaign?
Ans. The campaign has predominantly been funded by MKRF, Geo and the Jang Group. Some corporate organisations have partially funded the campaign. These organizations include Arif Habib Group, Engro Corporation, Lucky Group and others.
Q.No.8: What is the complete list of people and organisations you have involved in the campaign?
Ans.: We are grateful for the active support and collaboration of the following:
- Pakistan Business Council
- Institute of Business Administration, Karachi
- Lahore University of Management Sciences
- Adil Najam, Dean & Professor Emeritus, Pardee School, University of Boston and President WWF International
- Miftah Ismail, former Finance Minister
- Shabbar Zaidi, former Chairman, FBR
- Mohammad Ali Tabba, CEO, Lucky Group
- Arif Habib, CEO, Arif Habib Limited
- Ali Raza Siddiqui, Chairman, JS Group
- Zafar Masood, President & CEO, Bank of Punjab, Chairman OGDC and Pakistan Bankers’ Association
- Salman Ahmed, Senior Partner Emeritus and former MD, Pakistan McKinsey & Co.
- Ahsan Zafar Syed, President & CEO, Engro Corporation
- Amjad Waheed, CEO, NBP Fund Management
- Murtaza Syed, former Deputy Governor, SBP
- Zaid Bashir, Director, Gul Ahmed Textiles
- Ali Jamil, CEO, TPL
We also extend our gratitude and appreciation to several other organizations and individuals who have requested to remain anonymous.
No.9: Did you discuss the campaign with political parties and try to get their support and consensus?
Ans: The campaign was directly discussed by us and our partnering organizations with mainstream political parties. With one exception, there was a general consensus among political parties that Pakistan urgently needs to build consensus on the tremendous economic and political crises it is facing, which require effective and immediate action.
No.10: In a polarized country like Pakistan how can you implement decisions which are accepted by all?
Ans: An important purpose and deliverable of this campaign is to build consensus. The Ker Dalo campaign would like to unite Pakistan at this difficult time. Pakistan needs to be united rather than polarized. We are confident that the Ker Dalo Pakistan Ke Liye campaign will unite the country to face our economic and other difficulties with optimism and confidence.
No.11: Did you discuss this campaign with international institutions such as the World Bank and IMF? Did you discuss the campaign with foreign embassies and have any of these funded the campaign?
Ans: We engaged in broad-based discussions with various institutions, including several embassies, which comprised both friends of Pakistan and countries that are among our largest trading partners. All of these institutions and countries unanimously welcomed and supported the initiative, offering their full assistance. It’s important to note that no financial support or funding has been accepted from any foreign country or institution.
No.12: How will you gauge the effectiveness of the campaign?
Ans: There are independent third-party organizations which will monitor and generate viewership data. We also have our internal mechanism of evaluation. We will also be seeking feedback from a variety of sources.
No.13: If others want to get involved in the campaign how can they do that? Will you allow others to get involved?
Ans: MKRF, Geo and Jang Group welcome feedback, involvement and suggestions. This initiative is designed to be interactive, encouraging active participation from all stakeholders. We not only welcome involvement but also formally solicit feedback and engagement from our audience.