Amid political crisscross

Politics in Pakistan has entered a nail-biting situation. The PTI is adamant that it will dissolve the provincial legislatures of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, which has set off a snowball reaction of electrifying activity. The PDM-led federal government, nonetheless, is in a deep thinking mode as, it seems, none of its 13-parties coalition partners are in a decisive mood to take a call. This is where the deadlock thrives as former prime minister Imran Khan is upping the pressure on the ruling dispensation to give in to his demand of fresh general elections — ideally in a few months from now. With a new scenario in cast, in the backdrop of the change of command in the military, politics faces a litmus test of proactivity and wisdom and this is where the future of the country and the much-desired political stability rests.

If reports are to be believed, elections are on the anvil at least in two critical provinces. As the Supreme Court judgement on floor-crossing has sealed the fate of horse-trading, a reenactment of April’s contested no-confidence vote is not in sight. Likewise, as the respective assemblies are in session, the option of Governor’s Rule is not a possibility either, according to constitutional experts. This is where the PTI drives its strength, and sits at the bargaining pitch. While politics is all about give and take, the need of the hour for all stakeholders is to huddle for a way out and desist from talking through the media. Statements emanating from either camp — that a dialogue has been proposed and both the warring sides are in informal parleys — is a good omen. With the PTI banking in the good offices of President Arif Alvi, and the ruling dispensation closely weighing its future course of action as economic indices slump on a daily basis, a middle ground has to be found sooner rather than later.

Inflation, the rupee stampede and the dipping foreign exchange reserves have pitched the country in a difficult situation. The threat of default looms large, accordingly. This precarious economic situation necessitates the desire to find a durable and instant solution to the mess we are in. The country is faced with re-payment of its liabilities, and it is estimated that at least $15 billion are needed to stay afloat during the first quarter of the new year. That the Google Play Store has, according to recent reports, suspended the downloading of its apps for mobile users is a troubling sign. A relief was, however, noted as Saudi Arabia generously decided to retain their $3 billion in Pakistani coffers, rescheduling them for another year. Though welcome, they are timely gestures and do not come to bail us out of the debt trap. Ushering in political stability and marching on with a sustainable growth agenda is a must.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 3^rd, 2022.

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