I actually disagree with your point of view. We only have a few items to export (textiles, IT, and low-cost products such as fans and small electric appliances), but we have a population of 200 million people who can consume a lot of products if given the opportunity, so we always make it difficult for our importers to ensure that the gap between import and export does not widen to the point where it becomes unsustainable.
Importing raw materials hurts our little industrial sector, and I honestly feel that we must promote our industrial sector regardless of the circumstances.
I not only disagree to your PoV but i must unwind the twist of misguidance it carries.
Pakistan have NO future without state's participation in protecting and promoting local industry, as priority.
Along side infrastructure development, Facilitating import of raw material for manufacturing industry is fundamental step towards a solid growth.
Founding industrial based economy shall not be seen merely as trade and commerce. It's like seeding a plant, who's roots and fruits cannot be approximated.
Industrial future must be inherited in state policy, which no political /religious motive is able to alter. In fact every move to import or promote foreign made, must be dealt with tough strife.
Unfortunately, what's happening on ground is exact opposite and by now Pakistanis have seen results of policies of riyasat e madina in reality is riyasta e economic hitman. Worst ever regime, has promoted smuggling, and introduced !nd!a as a major supplier to Pakistan, not saying !nd!a should not be a supplier but engineering commodity shortage and than making legislation /ordinance to justify tax free import from !nd!a is CRIME lead by highest office.
Similar is the case of oil smuggling from Iran, having worst ramifications to the scarce (petroleum) industry.
When all of this wasn't enough, ruling clan imported millions of people from COVID full state, another attempt to stop the wheel of economy, commerce and education. Could have been worst.
In simple words, Imran Khan and mafia has hurt Pakistan so much in 3 years, which is hard to gauge. While the lazy PMLN has overlooked daily crimes against the sovereignty and security of Pakistan... what's going on in with political parties in Pakistan?
This nation need another Zia ul Haque, who shall reverse all the anti development steps, this new Bhutto has taken.