Pakistan, Jan. 6 -- Zahid Hussain, a Pakistani chemical importer, had a disastrous 2023 as his business almost imploded due to the country's painful economic crisis compounded by simmering political turmoil.

However, the slight recovery that the cash-strapped nation has seen in the last few months, with the local currency gaining strength and a decreasing current account deficit, has restored his confidence.

Like many others, he is pinning his hopes on the general elections scheduled for Feb. 8. "Things have already started improving and I am quite hopeful that this will continue in 2024," said Hussain, whose business came to a standstill following an unannounced ban on imports imposed due to depleting foreign reserves.

Hussain is one ...