Seeking a better future

The country's state of economy, conflictual politics and adverse relations with neighbours remains a serious cause for concern. The question on the minds of many is whether the policies being pursued by the government and measures being taken by it are likely to correct course, and whether the role of the opposition is helpful or further compounding the crisis. There are no clear-cut answers to these concerns but as the situation stands it is apparent that there are significant weaknesses in governance and the people are suffering. Several critical national statistics and indicators on poverty, state of literacy, political maturity and state of democracy are matters of serious concern. This demands that leadership across the political divide and of state institutions must seriously reflect on the present weaknesses and uncertain conditions in the country, and support the government to effectively address them on priority before they aggravate further. We also need to reflect if elections at provincial and national levels are producing a leadership that is theoretically and practically in a position to seriously address the major national problems of improving the economy, strengthening security and contributing towards political maturity. And what measures and policy changes are necessary to strengthen leadership. Enhancing Pakistan's role as an important economic entity would also contribute to increasing the region's potential. The greatest impediment to the development of South Asia is the inimical relations between India and Pakistan. And the prospects of these getting any better seem remote.

Successive Pakistani governments leaning heavily on IMF and friendly Arab countries for economic assistance has become the norm that has its own adverse consequences apart from compromising the country's image and standing. There has to serious efforts to boost the national economy and work towards making it self-reliant. The finance minister has been earnestly working towards that goal, but much would depend on how the provinces respond and political leadership supports the economic programmes and monetary policies that were recently initiated. In all likelihood, Pakistan at least for several years will be depending on external sources of financing and managing with borrowed money.

The country's weak economy has also contributed to aggravating the security situation especially in the former tribal belt and Balochistan. The military has been fully focused on addressing the security situation but a porous western border and lack of serious support from the Taliban government of Afghanistan increase the country's vulnerabilities. Although the legal status of erstwhile FATA has changed and Balochistan has an elected government the capacity to deal with militant threats needs to improve further. Alongside these efforts our elites need to focus on improving the competence and efficiency of the bureaucracy and administrative structure. The practice of governing politicians to support their own clan and personal interests should be avoided. This discourages merit and sets in despondency. The general impression among the people reflects a high level of dissatisfaction with the direction of the country. This will only change if they see that policies being adopted and measures being taken by the government are changing their lives for the better. One expects that political parties are sensitive to the reaction of the people for this greatly helps in improving governance. The role of bureaucracy and other state institutions is equally critical in ensuring that right policies are being adopted and faithfully implemented. These are matters not beyond our reach or the competence of our people but depend on how the leadership plans and executes these.

Our leadership has to be conscious how changes are taking place at the global level and around us. The impact of the recent election of Donald Trump implies that the relations with the US at best will be as they are. With China our relationship has strong strategic, economic and political dimensions. But Pakistan needs to be sensitive to issues of security of Chinese personnel working in Pakistan on different projects. Inimical forces have in recent months targeted Chinese to disrupt and discourage our close economic cooperation. We ought to make Pakistan a safe and attractive destination for investments, transfer of technology and well-being of foreigners. Lately, militancy in the tribal belt and Balochistan has increased and additional measures need to be taken to restore normalcy. Bipartisan and long-term plans to improve security, economy and democratic institutions are necessary. Poverty and violence are likely to continue as no concrete and sustained measures to improve the situation are visible.

It is to be seen if there would be a change in India's hostile policy towards Pakistan during Narendra Modi's third term in power. Pakistan's expectations are modest. It is however unlikely that any change for the better will take place. In Kashmir, the status quo will continue as the territory remains under siege with Kashmiris being denied the right to self-determination.

Relations with Afghanistan too are unlikely to change in a significant way, although it is in the interest of both countries and the region that cooperation at several levels and in different areas will be to the benefit of its people.

Pakistan to guard its territorial integrity and prevent any infiltration has to maintain significant forces on both eastern and western borders. The defence budget reflects that and relatively less is spent on public education and health. This obviously affects the economy and the country has been experiencing slower growth rate, and poverty in certain remote areas has given rise to extremism and disturbed law and order situation. The question arises: is the government taking effective measures and pursuing economic and political policies that will pave the way for change and normalise conditions in these areas? Probably, most of us including those in power need to be more sensitive and focused towards the plight of the people living under these disturbed conditions. To this day we underestimate the casualties and human suffering that people in disturbed border conditions are suffering.

The agenda for reform and change in every area, economy, politics and security is vast and challenging but it has to be undertaken with resolve and efficiency for the betterment of the people.