By Naveed Miraj
Voices are emanating from different circles including the powers that be for developing national consensus to steer the country out of the myriad of challenges, especially those on the economic and security fronts.
Addressing a ceremony at Pakistan Naval Academy the other day, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir whilst adding his voice to the same pointed out that the country is passing through one of its most critical times and this requires the development of national consensus by all stakeholders. There is no denying that the military cannot remain insensitive to the complex problems faced by the country today. Hence remarks emanating from the powers that be are very much understandable and justifiable. In our view, this is also a message to the political forces to correct their course.
In the past also, the polity has shown the capability and maturity to develop consensus on important matters. The National Action Plan in the war against terrorism was a consensus document. However, the question arises with whom to develop national consensus when all the major and minor political parties under the umbrella of PDMA are part of the current dispensation. Only Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, which was ousted from the center through a vote of no confidence earlier last year but still is in power in Punjab and KPK as well as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, is not on board and ruthlessly criticizing the PDM government for its failures.
Shying from Democratic Practice Won’t Bring About National Consensus
In the current environment, when a deliberate and sustained effort is being made to sideline one of the largest parties and disqualify its chairman whose popularity has sky-rocketed ever since ouster, developing any sort of understanding or consensus with the PTI appears to be a far cry. It, in fact, suits the PTI to continue to ride on the popularity wave rather than sitting with the PDM which, despite tall claims, has miserably failed to deliver.
Regardless of the return of their financial guru Ishaq Dar, the upward flight of dollar is continuing. Rather it is probably the first time that a different rate of dollar is being seen both in the interbank and the open market. The foreign exchange reserves have fallen to barely cover a month’s imports and it is unclear when the country will receive more inflows from bilateral and multilateral institutions, which have given rise to default fears, repeatedly expressed by many economic experts including Miftah Ismail who was in-charge of the finance ministry before the landing of Dar back home.
Security situation in the country is also alarming. Hardly any day passes without any terror incident now. According to a report released by Center for Research and Security Studies, the outgoing year concluded with the deadliest month for security personnel for over a decade due to the emergence of a new terror triad comprising Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Baloch Liberation Army and Daesh, Afghanistan.
According to the report, security forces lost at least 282 personnel during 2022, with about 40 fatalities in December, in attacks that included IED ambushes, suicide attacks, and raids on security posts, primarily in the Pak-Afghan border regions. The US, UK, Australia and Saudi Arabia have issued advisories, asking their nationals to restrict movements in Pakistan and avoid non-essential trips.
The panacea
These are extraordinary times which require extraordinary decisions while rising above petty political interests. Only a stable government having the mandate of five years can pull the country out of the current crisis. Whilst giving no ear to ideas such as that of technocrat setup which will only fuel uncertainty and instability, we believe the solution of all the problems lies in the early general elections.
New government coming through the elections will not only give confidence to the investors and private sector of the continuation of policies but friendly countries will also be more willing to engage with Pakistan and help it overcome the difficult situation. If those in the PDM really believe in democracy and democratic norms, they should not shy from elections.
Like a democratic force, they should face the people and accept their decision whatsoever it is. Sooner or later, the current dispensation will have to swallow this bitter pill. It will send a positive signal to the masses if they do it now for the sake of the country.
