Pakistan, March 29 -- When the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approves loans for Pakistan, the news is often celebrated by political leaders and the media as a major achievement. These celebrations, while understandable, also highlight a sobering reality: Pakistan's ongoing dependence on external financial assistance. The country's economy continues to struggle, and these loans, though providing immediate relief, bring with them a troubling long-term consequence.

For years, Pakistan has faced economic challenges that seem to spiral out of control. Political instability, inflation, energy shortages, and rising public debt have created a complex web of problems. Amid these issues, the IMF has become a go-to source of financial support. ...