The way ahead

Despite efforts in past, government has failed to attract right people to stay on in country

With the dawn of the New Year, while we review the past it is important to conceptualise how in the coming years national effort must be directed to better the lives of our teeming millions. For no people or nation is destined to be poor and desperately struggling, while a few have unbounded wealth.

The answers to most of our national challenges we are already aware, but it’s in the implementation that we have failed. The most glaring failure is that of governance, that has resulted in an emaciated economy, unsatisfactory law and order situation and a soiled international image. Above all, it is making the lives of the middle and lower classes very difficult.

In these adverse circumstances the forthcoming national and provincial elections acquire special significance. It becomes critical who we vote for so that we have politicians in the government and opposition that relatively have better ability and experience of formulating sound national policies and running the government efficiently. They are required to address complex economic issues. In the past, governments have relied heavily on foreign assistance and failed to address its weaknesses. As a consequence, the economy is in a free fall and still heavily dependent on IMF and foreign assistance. We were close to default and with great difficulty managed to avert it in 2023. But our economic fundamentals still remain weak and vulnerable to serious crisis. The foremost priority for the incoming government should be to fix our economic fundamentals. This would require increasing resources through better policies and improved governance to meet the needs of the society.

The country’s politics is in disarray. PTI candidates are being roughed up and their top leadership burdened with countless charges is no different to what the PML-N and PPP leadership has gone through in the past. Except with a difference, it gets harsher and cruder every time. Of course, in this the establishment has a significant role as has been the case in the past as well. The most distressing aspect is that we are not even conscious of this glaring weakness and the extent to which it is harming the fundamental interests of the country. People doubt the credibility of the government and its ability to deliver and a general sense of despondency prevails, as we are witnessing at present.

Political leaders should avoid leaning on the military to get into power. This creates space for the involvement of the establishment in politics by favouring one political party over the other. Influencing political outcomes, apart from weakening the institutions, distorts the democratic character of the state. Moreover, considerable resources and energy is diverted in pursuing this quasi-democratic agenda. When people realise that elections will not necessarily reflect their will and choice of candidates or party, they lose interest and abstain from voting. Whereas, adherence to democratic norms and practices injects vitality and strength to a nation.

It is not difficult to discern why Pakistan continues to lag behind in every major aspect of national development — be it economic growth, political stability or strategic strength. Our economic dependence and political weaknesses have restricted our foreign policy options. Despite our inherent geo-strategic advantage and a large population and latent resources we remain heavily dependent on foreign assistance, and unable to exploit the nation’s full potential.

The threat of violent extremists, the TTP in particular, has increased. They have declared war on our state, and Islamic State and a few other groups have coalesced under their patronage. The more disconcerting aspect is that the Taliban government of Afghanistan treats them as an ally and has given them the full freedom to operate from Afghanistan. And the irony is that it advises Pakistan to negotiate with them. Pakistan will require a forceful and sustained effort to push back against this offensive.

Our army personnel are making great sacrifices to ensure the integrity of the state. The incoming government should pay special attention to the development of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, for a satisfied polity is the best defence against militancy.

One hopes that there would be relaxation of tensions with India. Elections in both countries will bring in new governments, providing an opportunity to both to rethink their policies and move toward engagement in trade and tourism, to begin with. This will ease tensions and create space for addressing other mutual more serious issues.

The incoming government should prioritise higher education and ensure the correct utilisation of those who acquire it. To retain professionals, the government needs to create conditions that are generally compatible with the international standards. Under-utilisation and not being sensitive to the aspirations of qualified and efficient workforce result in lowering of morale of employees and lead to migration abroad.

Despite efforts in the past the government has failed to attract the right people to stay on in the country.

Local production has to be encouraged, but this requires appropriate infrastructure and skilled manpower. Low tax base and under-utilisation of national resources have adversely affected the economy. The incoming government should accord high priority to tax collection and its better utilisation and distribution. It is a common practice in Pakistan that major business concerns fail to pay their taxes in accordance with their income. They also do not maintain records for open scrutiny which is a sad reflection on them as well as the government.

There is a general laxity all around so easy to discern if only one would step out of his house. In Karachi, the most populous and commercial city of the country, people get away breaking traffic rules blatantly. There is no checking and it’s rare to see traffic police on the roads. The condition of roads is pathetic with half the roads dug up; and it’s scary negotiating these obstacles. It is doubtful if acute problems being faced by general public will be brought up by politicians during the election campaign and seriously addressed by incoming provincial or local governments.

There has to be individual and collective ambition for a better quality of life and it has to be matched by good intentions and performance. This urge has to be developed and given shape by initiating and implementing national policies that reflect this urge.

The parties with a people-oriented programme and candidates with a better record and dedication should be preferred.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2024.

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