Strategic acumen

If leadership is devoid of strategic acumen then the country can never be stable, prosperous and strong. Strategic acumen is a major requirement for a country like Pakistan which has passed through various phases of crisis since its inception in August 1947.

What is strategic acumen and how can it contribute towards the progress, development and strength of Pakistan? Why in the last 78 years, has the leadership failed to pursue strategic acumen for accomplishing the daunting task of nation building and preventing erosion of national institutions?

According to business think tank, "At its core, strategic acumen refers to the ability to think strategically and make sound decisions in complex and uncertain situations. It goes beyond mere knowledge and expertise, encompassing a deep understanding of the business environment, industry dynamics, competitive landscape, and the ability to anticipate future trends. Strategic acumen involves a combination of analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and the capacity to see the bigger picture."

According to the same source, strategic acumen requires analytical thinking, future orientation, holistic perspective, right decision-making and risk assessment. Strategic acumen is not only limited to economy and paradigms of national security but has a broad dimension because "Strategic acumen is a vital competency for individuals and organizations in today's dynamic business landscape.

It encompasses the ability to think strategically and make informed decisions. By developing and enhancing strategic acumen, individuals and organizations can gain a competitive advantage, drive long-term success, and navigate complex challenges with confidence. Through continuous learning, collaborative thinking, mentoring, and decision-making exercises, strategic acumen can be nurtured and refined, empowering individuals to become effective strategic thinkers."

Only when those at the helm have strategic acumen like prompt decision-making, clarity, integrity, courage and risk taking, a country like Pakistan can be expected to have a vibrant economy, political stability, good governance, rule of law, zero tolerance for corruption, supremacy of merit and tolerance in in society. In the realm of foreign policy, strategic acumen can effectively deal with challenges of national security, peaceful relations with neighbours and favourable trade balance.

In the formative phase of Pakistan, the leadership, despite impediments, was able to put the economy on track. However, it failed to ensure democracy and deal with the language issue between East and West Pakistan. The failure of leadership in pursuing strategic acumen for seeking political pluralism and preventing military takeovers in 1958, 1969, 1977 and 1999 points towards lack of perseverance and wisdom.

A society which is uneducated, socially backward and have a leadership lacking commitment, dedication, integrity and work ethics cannot achieve excellence in strategic acumen. It is not that the people of Pakistan lack wisdom and intelligence, but what is absent is a proper sense of direction and vision. The erosion of strategic acumen furthered following the disintegration of Pakistan in 1971 and coming to power of those who compromised on merit, educational standards and better governance.

When the justice system failed to ensure rule of law and those involved in corruption and nepotism became part of the system, Pakistan relegated to a fragile state. A country's success is judged on the basis of its leadership and institutions capable of providing quality of life to people in the form of clean drinking water, better education, affordable medical facilities, good housing and respectable public transport.

Dearth of strategic acumen in Pakistan is a reality and needs to be examined from three sides.

First, strategic acumen is mostly used for personal and group interests rather than the betterment of the country. In the realm of foreign policy, it is due to the dearth of strategic acumen that Pakistan's Afghan policy proved counter-productive and the country was let down by the US despite acting as a frontline state in its so-called war on terror. Currently too, Pakistan may have to face another American betrayal. The elites of Pakistan who have long had a tilt towards the West never learned from their mistakes and kept all their eggs in a single basket.

Balancing act in foreign policy was never a priority for Islamabad. Foreign dependence particularly on IMF, World Bank, ADB and other multilateral aid agencies as well as friendly states like Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China proved that Pakistan's policymakers never adhered to strategic acumen. Otherwise, the economy of Pakistan would have been among top 20 at least. It shows the lack of prudence, perseverance, acumen and intelligence in the realm of foreign policy and domestic challenges.

Second, it is strange that great minds, imbued with strategic wisdom and acumen, do exist in Islamabad policy circles but when it comes to putting this acumen into practice for achieving a vibrant economy, political pluralism, functional democracy, good governance and rule of law, the result is a naught. The country lags behind in human security, and its economic dependence on foreign agencies and friendly countries is for all to see. It means mafias and corrupt elements have penetrated deep inside the state and societal structures and block efforts for national development and progress.

Had this not been the case, issues like degeneration of public institutions, stagnant exports, meager foreign exchange reserves and fragile economic growth wouldn't have threatened the very survival of Pakistan. Failure to learn lessons from the success stories of China, India, Bangladesh, Republic of Korea, Japan, ASEAN and Gulf countries also proves the dearth of strategic acumen among those responsible for running the country. At least, those responsible for applying strategic acumen as a policy should have taken concrete measures to restore sanctity of the Pakistani passport. Till 1970s, holders of Pakistani passport had respect and visa free entry to many countries, but not anymore.

Third, without a sound education system, one cannot expect overall progress and wellbeing. A prudent and strategic mindset with political acumen is only possible when students, at the grassroots level, are educated about issues which can initiate the process of national development.