Pakistanis at home or abroad are engaged in continuous debate on the current political crisis in their homes, workplaces, and WhatsApp groups. Heated discussions are taking place on the merits or failures of the current government. There are some valid arguments across the divide, but there is a slight emphasis on the more significant questions. For example, how do we make sure that we do not end up in a similar crisis again so that the country can move forward?
Fraudulent electioneering and lack of structural economic reforms have turned into an existential threat for Pakistan. Inaction at this juncture in our history might lead us on a path of no return and actualize what all our enemies have failed to achieve so far.
Regardless of the current no-confidence motion, current political chaos will linger on, fracturing our economic spine resulting from a deep dive into the abyss for the foreseeable future. However, all great leaders have the ability of sense-making or awareness of what requires urgent action.
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One can argue that educational and judicial reforms are equally important
That is true, but right now, we need urgent and broad-based electoral and structural economic reforms agreed upon across the political divide at this juncture of our history.
Whoever is the PM, the 2022 budget is the perfect opportunity to get this done and take us out of this chaos. Contrarily, Our failure to address this will provide Pakistan’s external enemies an impetus to play a nasty game to their advantage. Additionally, the Polarization of all segments of society has reached dangerous levels.
Lincoln’s famous line “a divided house against itself cannot stand,” delivered at the republican state convention in 1858, perfectly describes where we are. Unfortunately, our mindless media paints a perfect picture of this and fuels it hourly. As a result, our internal cracks have turned into significant ruptures across our societal fabric.
Pakistani establishment and its political leaders should not choose the path President Zelensky of Ukraine has chosen for his people. Whether Putin wins or loses, offering Ukraine & Ukrainian people as fodder for a greater geopolitical game is beyond foolishness. There is nothing heroic about that. Similarly, offering Pakistan a fertile ground where bad external and internal actors can wreak havoc in constant political chaos and economic misery might break us apart beyond repair. Such divisions already tore us apart in 1971, and we must not try to replicate them.
Continued Political and Economic chaos in Pakistan in a neighborhood where great power politics are in full swing will not remain stable. It could take us to the point of no return. Pakistan’s boom and bust economy lying on the IMF’s ventilator will continue to deteriorate in this environment.
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Polarization is dangerous and suits the nefarious designs of our enemies
Therefore, there is an urgent need for a consensus on these two fundamental issues, e.g., electoral and structural economic reforms. Unless we address this, Pakistan will be facing a much bigger crisis soon.
Certain rules of the games need to be agreed up and agreed upon right now before it is too late. Agreement on electoral and structural economic reforms is the need of the hour.
First and foremost, economic reforms and agreement on the broader structural economic policies are required. Such reforms should include the tax regime, investing in export-led growth, privatization of the public sector, investments in infrastructure, and creating value for a globally connected economy. The consistent and clear economic direction will encourage foreign direct investments. This political turmoil suits no one. Pakistan also needs to move away from a permit/NOC economy as Narasimha Rao did in India in 1991, dramatically improving the ease of doing business.
The 1991 budget in India laid the foundation of India’s economic success story. Narasimha Rao was heading a minority government like PTI now. Nirma Rao’s shrewdness ensured that the 1991 budget was passed and supported across the aisle. Political stability is the foundation of economic stability.
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2ndly, electioneering and the entire voting process have become so controversial that no election is considered fair and transparent. Fraudulent elections will lead to compromised politicians. Large sums of money can buy individuals who are a product of the fraudulent electoral system. Pakistan’s establishment can also manipulate such individuals and pollute the entire system.
Today, Pakistan requires statesmen, not politicians
Therefore, Pakistan’s political and military leadership should work tirelessly to achieve a consensus for such reforms, even if it requires negotiations with corrupt or compromised politicians.
This reminds of the famous description of the 13th amendment led by Abraham Lincoln, which banned slavery in the United States by Thaddeus Stevens in 1865.
“The greatest measure of the nineteenth century was passed by corruption, aided and abetted by the purest man in America.” — Thaddeus.
Therefore, Pakistani leaders must rise to this occasion and pass this test of leadership to end this vicious circle, ratify electoral and economic reforms, and address this national security threat.
The author is a Physician residing in the United States and a Faculty member at Brown University in Rhode Island. The views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Global Village Space.