Local businesses wary of conflict

Corporate Pakistan may share in the patriotic surge across the country, but business leaders, mindful of the risks, are calling for swift de-escalation of tensions with India. Some warn the conflict threatens South Asia’s economic potential, especially as global trade pivots toward regional integration. They note the rising pressure on the capital market, currency, and supply chains — particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals that depend on imports of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients from India. If tensions persist, they warn, business losses will be unavoidable. “Pakistan’s economy is just beginning to recover, with the public still waiting to feel the gains. War would divert scarce resources towards military spending, deepening the country’s development challenges. We simply can’t afford such an adventure,” a business leader said privately.