Predictions of a hung parliament by political pundits have been proven wrong with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerging as the single largest party. The stage is set and the party’s chairman, Imran Khan, is ready to swear in as Prime Minister.
The election was truly of historic proportions, with a result that will be remembered as many predictions and trends were shattered. Many veteran candidates suddenly found themselves losing seats from constituencies that were established as their ideological strongholds. This downfall reflects both the anger of voters against the established political class and the earnest longing for the change.
Having questioned the credibility of the election results, the alliance of opposition parties has called Imran Khan the ‘beneficiary of rigged election’. With planned resistance, it would be safe to assume a charged political arena for the upcoming few weeks.
Political pundits have begun exploring the alleged involvement of ‘the deep State’ and the judiciary in manipulating the elections. Terms like ‘political engineering’ are thrown around with reference to the deep state while the judiciary is attacked for timing court convictions which aided mass defections from PML(N) to PTI. Yet, impartiality demands objectivity of arguments before jumping to conclusions. Calling foul play is groundless, as it isn’t unheard of for electables, after noticing waning popularity of their party, abandoning their loyalties and joining the stronger party.
Court convictions and the subsequent punishment handed to the PML(N) leadership in corruption, contempt of court, drug and money-laundering cases had been delivered dejure. Aysha Siddiqa, mentioned in her recent write-up “Pakistan’s Middle class Awaits a Miracle” rightly remarked that failures of PML(N) and PPP to deliver essentially paved the way for PTI’s victory .
PTI faces a list of task. In order to complete the required number for the formation of federal and provincial governments, independent MNA and MPAs, are being coaxed to join the PTI instead of joining the coalition of smaller parties. The toughest task for Imran Khan, however, will be undermining the cabinet ministers’ and elected representatives’ potential preference of feathering their own nests instead of delivering to the public.
In his post -victory speech, Imran Khan appeared to be well aware of the challenges he faced and was determined to perform in the face of all odds with pragmatic policies and sensible measures. Imran Khan and his government have a herculean task ahead of themselves with matters like strengthening the federation, uplifting the economy, militantly combating corruption, and building beneficial foreign and national policy. All of these tasks need to be done while adjusting to the transition of moving from the opposition to being opposed.
PTI shall need to disown discriminatory policies that were normalized by the Nawaz regime. The last government kept their eyes on central Punjab. Criticism was flung for ignoring much of the remaining country. The Baluchistan PMN chapter consequently rebelled against the party, claiming that their needs were neglected which eventually led to an in-house change in the provincial government. Similar deprivations in Southern Punjab birthed Tahfuz-e-Southern Punjab movement, which later merged into the PTI. Naya Pakistan demands a thoughtful government which allocates resources with a non-discriminatory basis.
Some provinces also complained of being neglected in development funds allocation, and sidelined from the China-Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC). The pursuit of a stronger federation without nurturing all the provinces will prematurely end in a failure hence sensible thought is imperative.
Damage from the misuse of national economy has to be dealt with. The Dar Doctrine underpinned the deteriorating economy with cosmetic solutions, building circular debt. The financial crisis looms over the country leaving the new government with no option but to approach the IMF for a bailout package. Worryingly, the US government has warned the IMF not to grant any financial package to Pakistan. This further complicates matters as it is evident that the US government has ulterior motives to use this opportunity to force the newly elected government to heel.
Corruption has arrested the progress of the country. Unfortunately, there has been selective accountability with the beaurocracy and the political class being targeted for assets beyond known sources of income. Judges and the army generals have been sacred cows. Whitewashing of illegal assets and black money through Amnesty Schemes should be discarded once and for all.
Will the incoming government turn the corner in this direction? Only time will tell.
Foreign and security policy is not in the domain of the civilian government especially when it comes to Indo-Afghan relations. The nod for normalized ties with our two neighbors, or any breakthrough dialogues finds its fuel in undemocratic institution. The new Prime Minister will have to reassert his position with tact to find a series of compromises with different institutions.
The maker of Naya Pakistan was appreciative of judicial activism when he was the opposition. Once Khan assumes office, he will be tested when institutional, governmental, and political issues are brought to court.
There are countless challenges ahead but Imran Khan and his party has reiterated their respective resolve to serve the country and deliver to the masses. For the betterment of the country, the nation, along with all the political forces and institutions should support the next Prime Minister in implementing his promised welfare state: Naya Pakistan.
Nazeer Ahmed Arijo.
Larkana