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Cohesion is needed to fight

challenges
From the Newspaper

5-6 minutes

PAKISTAN faces stiff challenges on all fronts, be it economic,

political, law and order or foreign policy. On the economic front,
Pakistan is trying to continue the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) package with all its strict conditionalities. Pakistan has been
IMF’s premier client since 1972. Though we fulfill the conditions
half-heartedly, we deviate off the path once we receive a tranche.

Now the government has withdrawn subsidies on fuel and

electricity and has raised the prices of both, resulting in
hyperinflation. Though it is good that Sindh and Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa have cut fuel quota to their ministers by 40 per cent
and 35pc, respectively, it requires more commitment to give
meaningful support to the national economy.

Before withdrawing further subsidies, the government should

withdraw facilities, such as free petrol to government officials,
various elite classes, including the judiciary. On the political front,
the leaders of all parties must understand they have already done
considerable damage to society through their harsh, divisive
political narratives. This political polarisation has resulted in
divisions in society and intolerance among the masses.

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The leaders must initiate a substantial dialogue to resolve issues,

because these divisions in society are a stumbling block to
national integration. Pakistan cannot afford a divided society as it
is already struggling with the challenge of national integration in
Balochistan.

The external forces are already active in subversive activities in

that province with the aim of destabilising the country. On the other
hand, political polarisation and fragmented society give an
opportunity to non-state actors for further mischief.

Further, this political polarisation and blame game result in

creating a law and order situation. Pakistan is already struggling
on the eastern front with its hostile neighbour. On the western
front, Pakistan is engaged with the Afghan Taliban to keep that
border secure from the threat of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
and other non-state actors.

There have been a number of terrorist attacks on the Chinese.

Besides, Pakistani security forces in Balochistan and North
Waziristan have also come under attack. Recently, Pakistan held
talks with the TTP in Afghanistan. Though both parties have
agreed to a ceasefire, the TTP has also put some absurd
demands for a permanent ceasefire. The demands include release
of their leaders, reversing the merger of erstwhile Fata, withdrawal
of forces from the region, implementation of Shariah laws and
having Dr Aafia Siddiqui released from the custody of the United
States.

Though ceasefire is vital, it must not be on TTP’s conditions.

Pakistan must prosecute those who carried out terrorist acts. We
should not forget the bloodshed at the Army Public School (APS)

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in Peshawar.

To make matters worse, since the ouster, the opposition has

decided to cause destabilisation on the streets even though it was
removed through a vote of no-confidence, which is totally a
democratic process. Citing example of India’s independent foreign
policy does no good to anyone as that country happens to be a
much bigger market and Western countries have their own specific
interests aligned with India. But Pakistan has not engaged the
West in economic or political terms and now has become irrelevant
for the US after the latter’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.

It is time Washington was engaged on common grounds, like

trade, combating terrorism, human trafficking and anti-money
laundering efforts. It must be understood that in diplomatic norms
and international politics, emotions and anger are kept aside.
Pakistan must bring its own house in order if it wants to be
respected in the international arena.

All the stakeholders should sit together to pull Pakistan out of the
quagmire. We cannot afford any further political polarisation in
society. Only nations having a strong economy can have their say
in international politics.

Pakistan should use the full potential of the China-Pakistan

Economic Corridor (CPEC) and engage the international
community and all major powers for common good. Pakistan
should nurture democracy in the real sense because democracy is
a culture; not a process. Pakistan must bring electoral and
economic reforms with consensus and all political leaders should
understand that dialogue is the best way to combat all challenges.

Ahmad Kamal

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Lahore

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2022

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