PM’s address to the nation

PM Sharif’s rather vague views on militancy, the issue that most greatly impedes development, were disappointing.

Mian Nawaz Sharif’s third innings as prime minister has begun slowly. His first speech to the nation after assuming office did nothing to speed up things; there were no dramatics, no major announcements. Essentially blaming the ills of the country on the policies of past governments, PM Sharif, speaking to the people of Pakistan for the first time since a military coup ousted his government in 1999, vowed to get things back on the right track, by resolving the power shortfall within three years, tackling corruption, improving administration and resurrecting the economy. We certainly hope he can succeed in all this.

But PM Sharif’s rather vague views on militancy, the issue that perhaps, most greatly impedes development, were disappointing. He called for dialogue with the militants and followed it up by stating that force would also be used to stamp out militancy. The call for talks comes at a time when militants have made direct threats to the PML-N and the Sharifs, essentially over the scheduled hanging of militant leaders. Quite clearly, we need an unambiguous strategy on the matter without losing further time. Signs of doubt and divide will only strengthen the Taliban. On India, the prime minister was far clearer and stronger, emphasising that he sought improved ties for the sake of the people of the region, despite the problems and perils that exist. These, of course, are welcome words, as is PM Sharif’s assertion that he intends to take on the problems of Balochistan and use development as a tool to help tackle the problems of this region and others.

Through his speech, PM Sharif has to some extent, at least, laid down his leadership style. He is striving now, after returning to power after 14 years, to establish himself as a statesman and perhaps, leave a mark in history. Whether or not he succeeds will become clear over the coming years, but it is evident that strong policies are required to deal with our many problems. We must hope that Mian Nawaz Sharif and his team will be able to formulate these over the coming months.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2013.

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