A national pledge for a better future

Opportune time to expand, deepen trade and economic relations with US, West while maintaining close ties with China

Countries progress when it has strong institutions that conform to democratic values and stay within constitutional boundaries serving the interests of the people. It is a basic principle known to leaders and to the electorate across the world, including those in developing countries. However, simple as it may sound Pakistan — like a few other developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America — has been faltering and failing to adhere to this basic premise while the nation is paying a heavy price for this fundamental digression. As the country goes for the long-awaited national and provincial elections in February next year, we ought to make adherence to democratic ethos as a New Year pledge and see to it that it is implemented. Or this is mere fantasy on my part and all those well-wishers of this country, from the citizenry to the leadership, to expect a major transformation when all odds are against it. But why should we underrate ourselves especially when we are aware that the hurdles we have created are our own doing and certainly within our reach to clear them? This should be a fearless pursuit as it is motivated for the collective good of our people and ensuring a better future for the country.

It is just and fair elections that strengthen democratic ethos which the people deserve and yearn for. There are other serious financial and security related problems that are confronting the country. The galloping inflation has burdened the masses, reaching an all-time high of 37.97 per cent in May of 2023, depriving a vast majority of even the basic needs. It is as serious as that and certainly this country was not created for people to suffer to this extent.

In these highly adverse circumstances, we have to vote for that party and those leaders that have a relatively better understanding and capability to lift the economy from its current stagnation and slow growth. We cannot continue to remain dependent on IMF and friendly countries to bail us out frequently. This is no fantasy or day-dreaming but within the realm of transformation provided that the leadership pursues the right policies with earnest.

Moreover, there needs to be a serious attempt on the part of the current political leadership to build a national consensus to adhere to democratic norms. The present power sharing that strays away from constitutional obligations apart from undermining democracy is dysfunctional as it hurts the economy and lowers national image. This is an objective assessment and our history bears testimony to it. When power is not in conformity with the constitution and diffused then accountability of failures or weaknesses in policy or its implementation are difficult to identify or address. When civilian governments conveniently pass the entire responsibility in matters relating to defence and security to the military, it has repercussions. Security and defence of a country should be viewed in a broader context. When the country’s economy is self-sustaining, its people generally content and relations with neighbours and global powers satisfactory, it acts as a deterrent and boosts the nation’s defence potential. When the economy is weak and the country is not very cohesive internally, hostile neighbours exploit it further, putting pressure on the economy and exasperating divisive tendencies. This is so evident in Balochistan and in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s erstwhile FATA region. The more worrisome aspect is that militancy in these areas is on the rise as TTP and other militant organisations are exploiting the frustrations and genuine grievances of the people against the state to their advantage. For the incoming government, addressing these security, economic and political development should be a high priority.

If we look at the past it becomes amply clear that the overriding consideration of successive governments have been to deal with serious security and economic challenges. And our foreign relationship has been primarily influenced by these factors. Earlier, in the 1950 onwards it was the US that was the main defence supplier and provider of economic assistance. After the 1965 war with India, China has been Pakistan’s strategic partner and remains the main source of defence equipment to date. There is considerable convergence of economic and strategic interests between the two countries.

The occupation of Kashmir and brutal suppression of its people by India has prevented successive Pakistani governments from normalising relations with it. And since PM Modi has been in power, there has been practically a freeze. It is possible that after the national election in both countries, dialogue may be initiated and trade and travel may partially resume which certainly is in the larger interest of both countries.

Pakistan’s support of the Taliban and expectations that their government would be more sensitive and understanding of its security interests as compared to the previous governments headed by President Ashraf Ghani and Hamid Karzai has been disappointing. In fact, the TTP now is firmly entrenched in Afghanistan and enjoys the support of the Taliban government. The Taliban’s total disregard for democratic norms, close ties with TTP and harsh policies toward women and those opposed to the regime are serious impediments in building a strong mutually beneficial relationship.

At present India’s hostile relations with Pakistan and its partnership at the global level with the US to checkmate China’s economic supremacy and strategic clout created rationale and space for Pakistan to opt strategically align with China. Continued suppression of Kashmiri aspirations by the Indian BJP government and a freeze of relations with Pakistan have heightened concerns of a possible military confrontation. It is imperative that after the elections in both countries dialogue should be initiated to find ways to normalise the bilateral relations. India despite its close economic and strategic ties with the US also maintains political linkages and strong economic and trade relations with China. A similar approach between India and Pakistan would be in the interest of both countries.

This is an opportune time for Pakistan to expand and deepen its trade and economic relations with the US and the West while maintaining its close ties with China and increasing its trade and development potential.

For pursuing a viable economic agenda and taking effective measures to improve the condition of our people, we need responsible leadership that prioritises these policies and values assets in its people.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2023.

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