Pakistan has not only won the recently concluded war on terror, but also initiated ambitious development projects like the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. There is extra financial pressure on national economy. It is hoped that with international economic growth key projects such as the CPEC, and functioning of petroleum refineries, as and when completed, Pakistan will become an economic tiger.
Budget for fiscal year 2019-20, presented in the National Assembly of Pakistan, appears to be subject to amendments. Members of the ruling party, including some key ministers, have proposed amendments at several forums, including the parliament, various seminars and talk shows on TV. Some people have expressed doubts that the Finance Bill it will be passed. However, this is not the real issue. The lawmakers’ focus is on unity in the government ranks and the support the opposition enjoys after about a year of special attention of the National Accountability Bureau. The opposition might have a hidden agenda extending beyond the budget debate – it might be looking to bring down the government, grab the chairmanship of Senate, cause the NAB investigations to be closed, and have party leaders and workers released from jails.
A government can easily be effectiv if it has an absolute majority in the parliament. A coalition dependent of support of allies is a headache, both for the government and the masses. This is a global constant. The government has to keep its allies together. To this end, it has to accept their demands. This is what is currently going on in Pakistan; key government positions are being given to allies to ensure their vote of confidence.
The economy is under severe stress nowadays due to a host of factors: deployment of armed forces, rising inflation, the declining rate of growth, expenditures that exceed the revenues, difficulties with taxation and rampant corruption. There is a need of continuation in financial policies and reforms in all sectors, commensurate with geo-economic and political changes internationally. The Middle East has long been an economic buffer for Pakistan, but governments in the Middle East are also under pressure these days due to a chronic lack of unity.
Pakistan is a great country rich in natural resources and all types of weather. Its people are brave and have always united against a common enemy. Every Pakistani showed solidarity with the armed forces during skirmishes with India. Emotions also ran high during the last Pakistan-India World Cup cricket match. Many people have embraced martyrdom in the war against terror. Professionalism of our armed forces, police, rangers and miscellaneous para-military forces has always been appreciated.
At the moment, the government seems unpopular among the masses, especially young voters
There is no doubt that the economy is under severe pressure duo to several reasons, but it will come out of the current situation, sooner or later, as road to stability in the region depends on a strong Pakistan.
There is a need for a ‘charter of democracy and economy’ underwritten by all political parties. It should be a broad-based agreement acceptable to all stakeholders. This can release the ever-increasing psychological pressure on the masses. There has been a lot of baseless whispering in Pakistan since the current government come into power. The matters should be resolved at the earliest so that international investors feel confidenr. A strong opposition will press its demands and not support the government unconditionally. At the moment, the government seems to be unpopular among the masses, especially young voters.
The chairman of the Senate is visiting Asif Ali Zardari to inquire about his welfare. Presence in office during a holiday is an indicator that the government’s hold on Senate might come to an end any time through a vote of confidence, if the PPP so desires. Given the uncertainty in both houses, the best course is to go for fresh elections instead of wasting more time. Not a single bill has been passed in a long time. Several standing committees of the parliament have not been formed and notified and there is no consensus on appointments of members of the Election Commission. Media reports indicate that the law being unclear, the matter is going to be sent to the Supreme Court.
The writer is PhD and former director IIRO (Saudi Arabia) in Pakistan. He can be reached at [email protected]