AS we enter New Year, it is customary to analyse how the country fared on different fronts in the outgoing year and what are the prospects for the New Year.
A bird eye view of the events during 2021 would show that the country faced numerous challenges and many of them remain unresolved with mixed signals for the next year.
Like other countries of the globe, Pakistan also experienced enormous difficulties due to the rapid spread of Covid-19 but thanks to the proactive approach of Prime Minister Imran Khan and his team that the crisis remained manageable both for the Government and the people.
It was because of ‘no total lockdown policy’ that kept the wheel of the economy running and the aggressive immunization programme served as a protective shield in the face of resurgence of different variants of the virus.
Price-hike remained the most daunting issue during the last three years and the Government seems to be clueless to address the challenge as we enter 2022 as the situation is likely to take a turn for the worst during the year as the authorities are bent upon jacking up prices of POL products and gas/electricity tariffs.
The Government stuck to its stance throughout the year that the economy was booming but its impact on the life of the common man was not visible and his plight is unlikely to change in 2022 as initiatives like ration subsidy and health card are proving peanuts before inflation tsunami.
Political uncertainty remained the primary concern of the patriotic people during 2021 and no one knows for sure whether the confusion would be over in 2022 or not as the opposition is planning for agitation and there are rumours about possible return of Mian Nawaz Sharif allegedly under a deal.
Institution building is the need of the hour but controversies surround all major institutions including Parliament (which is accused of impotency), judiciary, Election Commission and National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Similarly, polarization is touching new heights due to the stubborn attitude of both the ruling party and the opposition parties as none of them is willing to engage into a meaningful dialogue to evolve consensus on important issues like economy and security.
There is an unfortunate impression that a majority of ministries and institutions are not functioning properly or delivering as per expectations of the masses and the Government will have to take concrete measures to bring about a real change.
The country fared well in the realm of security (thanks to the matchless efforts of the defence forces) and external front as is evident from the deft handling of the evolving situation in Afghanistan, successful holding of OIC conference in Islamabad, projection of Kashmir issue and the posture adopted on issues of global and international interest.
Challenges facing the country require genuine efforts to promote national harmony through dialogue and discussion, ensuring supremacy of Parliament, respect for all institutions and concrete moves towards good governance.
