Addressing complex national issues

As the election time draws nearer, it is important that we take a hard look at the multiple internal and external challenges the country is facing which the incoming government will have to face in its pursuit of steering it towards a modicum of stability. A dependent economy, weak democratic structure and serious external and internal security threats have retarded economic progress and lowered the country’s global standing, with the people being its worst sufferers. And the internal and external weaknesses have been feeding each other, further aggravating prospects for course correction.

The well-established ethos and a basic tenet of democracy is pluralism. But the party in power with the support of the establishment has been mostly denying this right to the opposition. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, a major political party with a substantial following, has been decimated. Imran Khan is in custody facing multiple charges and in no position to participate in elections. The irony is that when PTI was in power they, with support of the establishment, treated PML-N and PPP with similar disdain, denying them their basic freedom and constitutional rights. This shows that Pakistan even after 75 years is still struggling to adopt basic democratic norms. It is not surprising that as a result of these weaknesses and power play the country’s progress has been adversely affected.

In the present situation it is not difficult to predict as to what will be the outcome of the forthcoming elections. The general consensus is that it will be a weak PML-N led coalition with several independents with loyalties and principles questionable or a close variable of it. But a more relevant question that demands attention is: what will the coming election be all about? It will only be to perpetuate power in the hands of those who have been in government intermittently, with no appreciable impact on the quality of life of the people, and with the country’s dependence on foreign assistance for economic viability continuing.

During the current election campaign by political parties, there should be serious discussion on economic issues, measures to strengthen democracy and security challenges. Political leadership should avoid or at least spend less time in personal attacks and past achievements. Another important question is: will Imran Khan and his party leaders be released soon to participate in elections or remain behind bars and disqualified? It is normal to discuss personalities during election campaign, their capabilities, past performance and weaknesses but addressing issues should take precedence over personalised rhetoric. The fact that IK has a substantial following and PTI a significant vote bank, denying them their due share will only be a repeat of our past history.

A more participatory and strongly supported government is essential for taking difficult decisions and in the long-run are essential for placing the country in the right direction. This is particularly relevant to us but regrettably this aim is seldom realised. Moving toward genuine democratic order is not merely a theoretical percept but a functional fundamental, as we ought to have learnt over the years. No country has remained stable and progressed that has faltered on this basic concept. Strong parliament, judiciary, military and above all good traditions ensure the functioning of democracy and prevent manipulation of elections. In areas of foreign policy and internal and external security, the input of security organisations and bureaucracy is essential as is the normal practice in democratic countries. It is necessary that during the election campaign political leaders discuss internal and external security issues seriously and how they intend addressing these. The security situation in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakthunkwa border areas poses a continuous challenge as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan operates freely in Afghanistan, contrary to the claims of the Taliban government. Our country’s complicated relationship with a wide spectrum of extremist groups in the past has also impacted seriously on the security. Our military officers and soldiers are making huge sacrifices to protect our borders. Apart from beefing up the security, it is equally important that the incoming government accord high priority to the economic and political development of the area.

Pakistan is presently beset with other major weaknesses as in education and health sectors. These are fundamental issues and no tangible progress is feasible without addressing these seriously. About 26% of the country’s population is illiterate and the quality of education is not comparable even by South Asian standards. This major weakness is a clear reflection of the warped priorities of our present and past leadership. In an age in which new technologies are influencing the way we think and have contributed to exploring the universe it is vital the government should prioritise science-based education.

Improving the health sector is another serious matter that should be prioritised. High percentage of stunting and other serious health issues are undermining individual capabilities. The incoming government should focus on these issues as they are dragging the country down.

Foreign policy issues and especially relations with India and Afghanistan demand greater attention and astute handling. Due to serious security challenges these are largely influenced by the army leadership and the input from the foreign office. It is nevertheless important that the political government, as in other democracies, take greater interest in the formulation and execution of policy.

Maintaining close and strategic relations with China has been one of our strong elements of foreign policy. In the context of India-China rivalry, Pakistan’s tilt toward China reinforces the latter’s ability to deal with India. The incoming government must reinvigorate CPEC and ensure that China-supported projects are completed in time. During former PM Shehbaz Sharif’s trip to China, he had reassured the Chinese leadership of Pakistan’s strong commitment to CPEC.

Robust relations with the US in trade, commerce and education are necessary. Good relations with the US are critical in dealings with IMF, World Bank and international financial institutions. It is encouraging that the US, even if it is for tactical reasons, is interested in having smooth working relations with Pakistan.

The necessity for internal change is real, a necessity that has only assumed greater significance in the wake of widespread poverty, economic crisis and disturbed security situation hitting the lower and middle class severely.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2023.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.