Jobs for the Boys

Appointments to the Cabinet were done in good faith and on “objective” criteria, but the criteria need to be revisited

‘‘The Civil Service must always have the right to appoint the best man for the job, regardless of the sex,” says Sir Humphrey Appleby in an episode of “Yes Minister”. One of the major criticisms of the UK judiciary is that it is male, white and middle class, most of them having gone to the same universities and even high schools. The oath-taking ceremony of the Cabinet in the Presidency represented a step forward in democratic transition. Yet, it was impossible not to notice the homogeneity of the Cabinet. The new government is male and Punjabi. The women are missing and the non-Punjabis are few and far between. The two women appointed have the status of minister of state and are not ministers of cabinet rank. Remaining on missing women, one hopes that some progress is made during this tenure in rectifying the gender imbalance in the Judiciary, perhaps even the long overdue first woman appointed to the Supreme Court.

The PML-N won largely from Punjab so it is natural to select the Cabinet from Punjab. Given the experiences of the past, it is also understandable that Mian Sahib is not taking chances, hence packing the government with trusted, loyalist, etc. However, we are repeatedly told that Mian Sahib has matured, and he certainly has displayed signs of maturity immediately post elections. The most heartening example is the choice of the Chief Minister in Balochistan. Kudos to Mian Sahib for that. However, it would have been nice had the same spirit prevailed in the selection of the Federal Cabinet, “Federal” being the operative term.

The Prime Minister, the Chief Minister Punjab and the Speaker National Assembly have all been elected from Lahore. The newly-elected Speaker National Assembly is a gentleman with an impeccable reputation, yet the slot of the Speaker was an opportunity to focus a bit more on the “National” part. Perhaps, continued with the precedent of appointing a woman. It is admittedly Mian Sahib’s discretion to appoint to the Cabinet whoever he deems fit. With great discretion comes great responsibility, or at least it should. Reflect on the hypothetical scenario of the Peoples Party government appointing an overwhelming majority of the Federal Cabinet members from Sindh and the reaction it would have evoked. Now think about the grim hypothetical situation when the Chief Minister of Sindh or K-P decides to lead a “Long March” against Islamabad. It is not the same as Mian Shabaz Sharif vowing to do it as chief minister in the previous tenure.

It is refreshing to see new tones, changes and approaches in the Cabinet. Most refreshing is perhaps hearing Mr Khurram Dastagir talk eloquently and with clarity, and one dearly hopes that this is the face and tone of the new and matured PML-N. Mr Khawaja Asif maintains his clarity and candour on the most difficult issues and would do any Cabinet proud. Most of the individuals appointed to the Cabinet have their competence and integrity above board. Yet, that is not the point, not entirely. One hopes that finding a few more honest and competent people (which by the way includes women) from other provinces might not have been an impossible task. Homogeneity is overrated. In short, more mix and match.

Inner circles and confidantes give a higher comfort level. But they also result in cliques and cocoons. Comfort easily translates into a false sense of security. Perceptions are also important. Justice should not only be done but seen to be done, as is with fairness. This government has to not only be “National” but also look the part. It is all well and good to say that we are all Pakistanis and the ethnicity does not or should not matter. This is unconvincing. Ethnicity matters and perceptions matter. What next, we are all humans, so it should not matter that there are no women in the power structure. Is all of this, holding Mian Sahib to an unreasonably high standard? I think not. Mian Sahib has now earned the right to be held to that standard. The people of this Federation certainly have the right to ask the question.

Diversity has value, perhaps is a virtue in itself. Continuing with the trope of diversity, there seems to be a sudden dearth of diversity in voices making a critical assessment of Mian Sahib’s decisions in the media. Realignment is afoot. The incoming Prime Minister deserves all the credit for the appointment of Dr Malik in Balochistan and not creating mischief in K-P. And all of us should agree that this is a “historic” moment and all, which it is. There has been much uniform sentimentality and optimism on display. However, time to move on a bit — some words of caution to Mian Sahib by the free and independent media, maybe.

In Mian Sahib’s most forgettable moment, before the newfound sobriety and statesmanship, a slogan of Jaag Punjabi Jaag was raised. It is possible that Mian Nawaz Sharif never said it or, at least, never meant it, yet that was how it was understood in many places outside of Punjab. Perception has a tendency to become reality. The Punjabi is quite awake in the Federal Cabinet. Perhaps more relevant now is the similarly phrased words of caution by a proud Punjabi, Habib Jalib, Jaag meray Punjab, kay Pakistan chala. There is a subtle yet important difference between being merely awake and being completely aware. Mian Sahib is awake and is also aware (as shown in Balochistan), yet the selection of the Federal Cabinet fell short of the Gold Standard. That is dangerous.

The appointments to the Cabinet were done in good faith and on “objective” criteria. Yet, the criteria need to be revisited. Rethinking needs to be done, not due to the quality and abilities of individual members but for the sake of the Federation and because Mian Sahib is a “National” leader. National leaders are supposed to be leaders of all ethnicities and provinces. Lest we forget “National” leaders are also leaders of the women in the nation.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9^th, 2013.

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