KU’s AERC launches Policy Brief and Economic Outlook series


New publications aim to deliver evidence-based policy analysis and regular economic forecasts; VC urges aligning Pakistan’s strategies with global trends

IV Report

KARACHI: The Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC) at the University of Karachi (KU) on August 12 launched two research-based publication series aimed at providing actionable insights—Policy Brief Series and Economic Outlook Series—in a ceremony presided over by KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi.

AERC Director Prof Dr Noreen Mujahid said the Policy Brief Series would provide concise, evidence-based analyses on pressing policy issues, while the Economic Outlook Series would deliver regular forecasts on Pakistan’s economic trajectory.

In his address, Dr Iraqi reaffirmed the University’s commitment to conducting research not only for Pakistan but also on global economic matters. “We must align our policies with current global realities to ensure meaningful progress,” he said.

Emphasising that “the era of political slogans is over” and that the true strength of any nation lies in economic revival, he stressed the need to deliver tangible results for the people of Pakistan. He called for recognising the country’s real strengths—its resources, human capital, and sound economic policies—as the foundation for a stable economy and sustainable development.

Dr Iraqi noted that global realities require a shift in how developing nations like Pakistan approach economic planning. Citing international examples, he referred to US President Donald Trump’s use of trade and economic tools as a central feature of his administration’s strategy—an approach he has continued to champion in his second term—as demonstrating to global policymakers that economic measures can be used to foster peace, even in conflict-prone regions.

He also highlighted Brexit as a turning point that sparked intense debate across Europe over its global economic impact. “Developing countries are more vulnerable to economic shocks, especially when trade imbalances or tariff hikes occur, which must be addressed with strategic foresight,” he added.

Earlier, Prof Mujahid and AERC Senior Research Economist Dr Ambreen Fatima introduced the inaugural publications. Prof Mujahid said the initiative aims to provide timely, actionable insights to policymakers, researchers, educators, business leaders, and the public.

“AERC has a long-standing tradition of delivering high-quality research. These new initiatives are a step forward in making our work more impactful and solution-oriented,” she remarked.

National Bank of Pakistan banker Akhtar Mahmood Nadeem lauded AERC’s contribution “to shaping Pakistan’s economic thinking” and stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between industry and academia to address structural economic challenges.

The event was also attended by KU Economics Department Chairman Prof Dr Abdul Waheed, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Administrative Sciences Prof Dr Zaeema Asrar Mohiuddin, and other faculty members and guests.

Photos courtesy; KU

 

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