Daily Times

According to research, man-made political and economic institutions determine economic success (or the lack of it). It is important to forge a society that creates incentives, rewards innovation, and allows everyone to participate in economic opportunities. The economic success thus made possible is sustained because the government becomes accountable and responsive to the citizens it governs. What makes a difference is the politics that create completely different interrelated sets of norms as well as institutions that help make the society dynamic and effective in terms of inputs and desired outputs. Historical evidence and case studies give ideas of positive and negative factors of growth and development.

To address current questions relating to poverty, disease, illiteracy, and standard of living of the people as well as internal and external threats to the state, we need to build a new theory of political economy. Interplay between political and economic institutions is important to understand for a way forward.

Of utmost importance is the need for maintaining harmony and balance within and among the institutions. Specifically checks and balances in the triangular relationship between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. An effective system of authority, responsibility and accountability is essential for good governance and fair play. It is vital for the government to ensure that the writ of the state is firmly established and that all three wings of the government function in an environment of understanding, cooperation, and uniform national outlook.

Jihadis were initially created and nourished by the US for its own goals and objectives. There is    no justification for them to use blame games after the tremendous sacrifices of men and material offered by Pakistan

Unnecessary tensions damage the image of institutions which reduce their efficacy at achieving their required and desired goals and objectives. Politicians should refrain from making unnecessary statements and comments that become road-blocks to progress. Statements which negatively impact the process of innovation and support required for facilitating the socio-economic development.

Reflection is necessary for everyone to correct themselves and help in nation building efforts. There is no room for ‘blame games’ and uncalled for comments which express little but negativity.

To put it straight there is a need for cordial Civil-Military relations at a stage where the state is facing existential threats, both internal and external.

The situation in Afghanistan has not improved after 16 years of the War on Terror for which the Bush administration had often utilised coercive tactics and threats to make Pakistan part of the coalition force under the leadership of the United States and NATO. Despite of the fact which is known to all, that peace in Pakistan depends on peace in Afghanistan, the Trump administration seems to be employing the same game the Bush administration used to pressurise Pakistan. Arm-twisting will not help. It is time for the United States (US) to do more.

US Defence Secretary Mattis’ stance on Xi Jinping’s One Belt, One Road initiative has many contradictions. The US had supported the project at a forum in Beijing earlier this year

Jihadis were initially created and nourished by the US for its own goals and objectives. There is no justification for them to use blame games after the tremendous sacrifices of men and material offered by Pakistan to root out terrorism and terrorists of any specification. Pakistan is always open to talks and to reason but will not accept any undue strategy and action, especially, when Pakistan’s arch-rival is a friend of the United States.

When business-as-usual starts to threaten the state and it’s legitimacy, out of box solutions are required. We need visionaries who can come up with long term solutions. Inspirational and motivational statements are necessary. But the reality of internal and external threats cannot be denied. We simply cannot afford to live with the sources of these threats. We need to keep our eyes open. Analyse facts, separate them from fiction. Politics is an instrument to be used with care.

There are indications which can help understand current situations to better predict tomorrow. According to the Pakistani Foreign Office, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will benefit the Af-Pak region and beyond. The US has been asked to focus on human rights violations in Kashmir. US Defence Secretary Mattis’ stance on Xi Jinping’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative has many contradictions. The US itself had supported the project at a forum in Beijing this year. Moreover, the Trump administration is enhancing trade ties with China. The question is how could the United States ignore Indian efforts to create instability in Pakistan? Apparently the current policy employed by the US is directly or indirectly supporting the Indian agenda.

As a country often referred to as ‘the leader of the free world’ the United States has the responsibility to stand upright and speak the truth. Peace is possible through joint efforts. It takes two to tango. I request President Trump to reintroduce passion into fashion; to bring back humanity and positive human values into action. It will be a great contribution if Trump delivers on his promise to help reduce tensions between India and Pakistan. That is the only road to peace in this region.

The writer is a former Director of the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Government of Pakistan, a political analyst, a public policy expert and an author. His book Post 9/11 Pakistan was published in the United States

Published in Daily Times, October 11^th 2017.