Cycle of uncertainty

There are a handful of issues that wander constantly through our political landscape. One is the question of good governance. Almost all of those who, openly or cautiously, seek a change in the set-up argue that they are essentially after better governance and the inability of the present one to meet expectations signifies its incompetence. The matter is linked to the issue of constant uncertainty and the sense that the political ground is shaking. In such a situation, offering good governance becomes virtually impossible — no matter how noble the intentions may be. While it is true the will to meet people’s needs may not be as strong as should be, we must also keep in mind that even a government made up of men, and women, who combine the qualities of Einstein and Mother Teresa would struggle to manage matters in a situation where there is a constant shaking of the foundations on which the government rests. The administration would be far too busy keeping itself upright and attempting to prevent the house it sits in from tumbling down to do very much else.


This has been a tactic used in the past to keep democratic governments on a painfully tight leash. The late Benazir Bhutto had complained of deliberate sabotage, with bureaucrats failing to perform functions assigned to them and other forces engaged in devising sinister plots. This is not to say the same scenario is unfolding again — but given our history perhaps we should be vigilant as to the possibility that it may be in the minds of some. The appointment of the new chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee and other developments are all worth keeping an eye on. Internal tussles for power between institutions and deviations from constitutional rules can only impede good governance with a huge burden of other concerns on political leaders which could hinder them from paying attention to matters that need urgently to be addressed if national affairs are to run smoothly.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2010.