I would like to thank the former SBP governor for sharing his perspectives on the economic situation of Pakistan.
SAN ANTONIO, TX, US: This is with reference to Dr Muhammad Yaqub’s article of November 16 titled “Election manifestos and the economy”. I would like to thank the former State Bank governor for sharing his perspectives on the economic situation of Pakistan. He is correct in pointing out that fiscal mismanagement, the irresponsible behaviour of the present leadership (both at the federal and provincial level), and excessive domestic and international borrowing are the main sources of the current crisis.
I do not, however, support the writer when he suggests that political parties need to come up with a well-defined economic plan or agenda. Do we have well-established political parties that are well-organised and can articulate public demands to policy-makers in a coherent manner? Do the political parties have the necessary infrastructure (including professionals) to do something like this?
It seems political parties in Pakistan cannot do much beyond making loud noises, getting votes and then scrambling to get into government.
A reader
Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2011.
