Putin’s Russia, Khan’s Pakistan

Vladimir Putin’s career in Russian politics began in August 1999, when he was appointed the prime minister of the huge Russian Federation. The post was offered to him by then president Boris Yeltsin. This year presidential elections in Russia were held on March 18 and once again a horse-riding, tiger-wrestling, clean living, straight-talking, action-man Vladimir Putin won. Once he completes this term — you never know whether this will be his last stint at all — his time in power will surpass that of Leonid Brezhnev — 18 years — and even that of Joseph Stalin.

The obvious question here is: how has he continued to lead one of the world’s largest countries that stretches over a vast expanse of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, for nearly two decades? The next obvious thought that comes to mind is: will Pakistan ever get a leader who also believes in the continuity of government for a prosperous and strong country that keeps embracing change to stay in step with the world?

While I don’t have an answer to how he has accomplished this feat, I do ponder if Pakistan will ever become a country that its citizens are proud of and that is respected globally. Maybe, we have already elected such a leader who will take Pakistan out of shackles and help this nation break free from many ills that have been plaguing this nation for many decades. Maybe, we’re still far from this ideal. Maybe, ‘Naya Pakistan’ will fulfil some, if not all of these characteristics.

This is also not an attempt to compare Imran Khan to Putin. I’m not trying to draw similarities or identify anomalies between the two great leaders, countries’ personalities and offerings. However, there are some takeaways we can learn from Putin’s time in office. I do hope and desire, like all of us, to see Pakistan emerge in the region as a superpower, or at least an economic power respected by others. And I’m feeling very confident that we have started marching in the right direction.

How did I even start thinking about what makes Putin’s elusive Russia so special! It happened during the FIFA World Cup held in Russia in summer 2018.

From the time I received my visa or ‘Fan ID’ at home via courier, to the last day when I was walking along the Moscow River trying to take in and lock away in my memory some spectacular European architecture, I was in complete awe.

And what I found around me — from free public transport for FIFA fans to the management of passengers in this intricate infrastructure system at bus stations, airports and extremely affordable domestic flights to guests at hotels, was the living proof of the technological and management capabilities this nation possesses.

Whether it was relaxing tax laws to drive industry in attempts to achieve a higher standard of living, investing in and focusing on core manufacturing industry, research and development or national savings, the Russian president did have a laser focus on the jobs that had to get done. Renationalising key sectors like energy, finance and transportation produced the best performing vertically integrated companies in these areas. Furthermore, strategic energy exports increasingly used as instruments of foreign policy added a lot of value in terms or revenue dollars. One such deal brokered between Russia and China for gas raked in around $400 billion.

While mentally preparing myself for returning home, I secretly envisioned a Pakistan that had the infrastructure and reputation to be in a position to bid for mega sports events like the Olympics or the World Cup. Why is it that we have factor endowments such as human capital, abundant natural resources like coal and gas, a very capable military and many reasons to be proud of, yet we always seem to be making sluggish progress?

I do hope and desire, like all of us do, to see Pakistan emerge in the region as a superpower. While it is of utmost importance to be proud of ourselves as a nation we should also have the courage to reflect upon our doings, virtue and way of life. We must get ready to be held accountable, become taxpayers, say no to corrupt practices, allow the suppressed masses to have a better quality of life and access to better quality goods and services. And I somehow feel confident that we have taken the first step in the right direction.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2018.

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