Daily Times

2019 was a bitter-sweet year. Pakistan had PTI at the helm, a new political party that swore to bring change. Not a little change, but a tsunami. Its supporters and in general most of the nation was anxiously awaiting the promised ‘inqalab’ or revolution. Morale was high, and expectations were even higher.

But then reality set in. Mike Tyson, a former heavyweight boxing champion, once said “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.” And punched we got. Not just PTI but the whole of Pakistan operated under some extraordinary challenges, circumstances, and events. Some of our making, some not. In some PTI was the culprit in others the victim, and in a few the victor. The following is a list of the highs and lows of 2019.

The Highs:

1). India Pakistan Skirmish:

In February the Indian fighter jets violated Pakistani airspace to strike an alleged “terror camp” in Balakot. ISPR denied the Indian version of events. Pakistani retaliatedbe flying its planes into Indian airspace and intentionally dropping a payload without causing any casualties. An aerial dogfight ensued and a Russian-made Indian MiG-21 was destroyed by the Pakistani JF-17 Thunder jet. It was the first time the locally made JF-17, developed jointly with China, saw combat. Its fierce performance made it a star attraction in the Paris Air Show some month later.

In the process, not only did Pakistani forcescapture a mustachioed Indian pilot butwillingly released him to the applause and admiration of the international community. It allowed the Armed Forces and PM Khan to demonstrate to the world that Pakistan wishes for peace but is prepared for war.

2). Asia Bibi arrives in Canada.

In May, Asia Bibi’s horrific nine-year ordeal finally came to end when she reunited with her family in Canada. She was granted asylum after spending almost a decade in prison for blasphemy charges only to beexonerated by the Supreme Court. She was constantly supported by ardent activists, foreign diplomats, and the likes of Salman Taseer who was assassinated for his efforts.

3). Pakistan World Cup.

Everything that could go wrong did go wrong. Pakistan lost the opening match to West Indies. Then they lost to archnemesis India by 89 runs. Videos of teammates violating curfew, eating junk food, and smoking ‘sheesha’ went viral. The Nation was furious. But then a comeback ensued. Pakistan went on an outstanding winning streak, defeating all the top teams including England and New Zealand, almost making it to the Semi Finals. Despite their dismal start they played brilliantly in the second half of the tournament and returned with their dignities restored.

4). Prime Minister Imran Khan’s America Tour and United Nations Speech.

In July the Premier embarked on his maiden tour to the White House. Before the meeting Imran Khan held a massive rally in Washington D.C with 30,000 Pakistani-Americans in attendance. It certainly got the attention of President Trump who was unusually warm and welcoming towards the PM. He even called him ‘one of the greatest athletes of all time’. The meeting was considered to be a new dawn for Pak-US relations, which had been particularly rocky since the Osama Bin Laden raid in 2011.

Prime Minister Khan attned United Nations General Assembly in September. It was another opportunity for him to show case his popularity and celebrity status in the west as well as his candid and extemporaneous style of speaking. The speech promised hope for a better future for Pakistani’s and affirmed the nations commitment to defending Kashmir.

5). Afghan Peace Talks.

February saw Taliban and the United States finally coming together for peace talks to finally end a 19-year conflict that has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians and condemned yet another generation of Afghans to the horrors of war. Pakistan has been complimented for playing a central role in these delicate but promising talks.

6). The Opening of Kartarpur Corridor.

On the 9th of November, Prime Minister Khan inaugurated the opening of KartarPur Gurdwara for over 500 Indian Pilgrims. It was an emotional scene, many pilgrims breaking down in tears for finally being able to visit the final resting place of Sikhism’s founder Guru Nanak.

THE LOWS:

1). SAHIWAL INCIDENT

In January 2019, a couple along with their teenage daughter and a neighbor were mercilessly shot while in their car by law enforcement agencies. The killinghappened in front of the victims’ young children. The police version of the events changed multiple times and an investigation was ordered but it failed to clarify the incident. The perpetrators remain unpunished. Imran Khan himself called this the lowest point of his reign but for reasons unknown to the public he never rectified the tragedy.

2). Kashmir Lockdown and the Muslim Response (or lack of)

On August 5, India unilaterally revoked article 370 which granted limited autonomy to the troubled region. Kashmir was then subjugated to a brutally enforced curfew that is still in effect. Pakistan Government and Military forces condemned the aggressive and illegal act on multiple forums but unfortunately to no avail. Shortly after, the Indian Prime Minister was welcomed with open arms to Saudi Arabia and The UAE despite allegations of human rights violations and anti-muslim rhetoric. The tacit approval revealed what many long suspected, that ‘The Ummah’ was more myth than reality. India is the third largest oil purchaser in the world so Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood conceded that “national interests are above religious sentiments.”

3). HIV OUTBREAK IN LARKANA.

Larkana’s Rotadero village was the center of an unprecedented HIV outbreak. 1200 people, mostly children, tested positive with fears that the actual number may be much higher. The outbreak captured the attention of international news outlets all highlighting the dismal health services in Pakistan. One can only imagine how a improvished area lacking even basic medical infrastructure will cope with HIV epidemic, a highly contagious virus with no known cure.

4). SMOG AND CLIMATE CHANGE.

In October smog, cluster of various pollutants, returned. by November schools were forced to close. People were getting sick. Windows couldn’t be opened.Children couldnt play outside.Zartaj Gul, the Federal Minister for climate change rather than address the problem affecting the health and happiness of millions of people continuously downplayed it. Lahore had the worst air in the world, but she called it ‘fake news’. PM Khan, in his maiden UN speech opened with climate change, which he admitted will affect Pakistan immensely. With a rising population and dwindling resources, it is a ticking timebomb. Pakistan fortunately has a dedicated ministry for this challenge but it seems more for ‘adjusting’ people in the cabinet than addressing climate change. A professional must be incharge of this crucial ministry, not someone whose disastrous speeches on the subject go viral on social media.

5). Naya Pakistan Naya Rate.

2019 saw the dollar stabilize but 50% higher than what is was two years ago. November saw the highest Inflation in 9 years. With automobile plants shutting down and various other industries contracting, the economy withered while the cost of almost everything rose. State rhetoric is positive, but very little on the ground indicates that the economy will improve. So far very tight monetary control, fiscal frugality, and some artificial cash injections are keeping things afloat, butthe overall situation remains dangerously fragile.

6). Secrets.

The year was full of secrets which is the opposite of transparency. Imprisoned former PM Sharif was allowed to leave the country despite under the most confusing circumstances. Terms ending the JUI-F sit-in in Islamabad, which coincidently occurred at the same time, were never revealed. 190 Million Pound payment was recovered from Malik Riaz by a British Agency. Again the terms remain secret, with cabinet ministers even refusing to take his name. The terms of CPEC remain secret. The exact terms of IMF agreements remain secret. The identity of the famed 3rd Umpire remain secret. Secrets erode democracy and hinder accountability. They undermine electorate supremacy and pave the way for tyranny.

When Galileo discovered all the intricate moving parts of the universe, he wrote that despite the delicate celestial balance which holds everything together, the earth still spins. As such despite the flammable state of affairs in Pakistan, the nation endured. May the new year be better than the last.

The writer can be reached at skhanzada@ymail.com