TARIQ KHALIL
COVID-19 has placed the world (universally) at the crossroads of history. The world is not going to be same after it recovers. The calamity is going to leave far reaching social, economic and strategic impact. It has shattered the value perspective. Corona Virus has gripped the world toppling almost all plans and economies of the world. Pakistan is not an exception. There are many conspiracies circulating with regard to its spread starting from Wuhan and how China counter-manipulated the trade moves of USA. And in consequence the countries got engulfed. In Pakistan, unfortunately our opposition and media are still playing politics on the miseries of people and death prevailing. Our pseudo drawing room intellectuals and so-called economists are in the habit of criticising every thing this government does. While it must be appreciated PM approach is practical and pragmatically apt within the resources. It is not rational to close all the country in lockdown and cripple economically which some of the provinces are doing. No doubt Sindh CM is displaying energy and drive. It is praiseworthy. Yet, it is easy to demolish business but difficult to make it stand quickly. These are difficult times and every step needs great deliberation. Country’s political elite must rise above politics. If they do not, events will not only wash but drown them. PM is holding very elaborate and detailed press conferences. Due to distancing requirement of virus journalists are being invited in turns. He was at pains to explain the impact of curfew. As for as country is concerned, 90%, to date is in lockdown. Beyond that it will be unwise to close and snap the living of 25% population. We are not a rich country and there are resource constraints. We should be fully aware of the complexities of curfew. Once you announce it there is no going back, at one point, use of force becomes necessary. Yes, it can be done if circumstances warrant. I feel amazed and amused when some anchors sitting in cozy homes propagate lockdown a la curfew type. Sindh has already announced it, result, all major industries are closed. Most of migrant labour has already fled endangering a large majority as no one knows who is infected. What will be social and economic impact, it is not predictable at this point. The requirement was and is social distancing. This is required to be drummed in to majority. Instead use of force has been preferred. PM has announced a massive relief package to give space to common man. A three hour briefing was given by him. Every aspect of his strategy was elaborated to media. It will be an ongoing process and situation has to be reviewed constantly. Unfortunately, some of the anchors who were given respect to come to briefing chose to bring in politics and were rather insolent. Had it happened during previous regime, they would have known consequences. People should remember atrocities of FSF. Interesting, PM and Advisor on Finance elaborated after 18th Amendment, health is provincial subject. Thus, in this what Sindh is doing with regard to lockdown, is their Provincial Right. Point is, 60% revenue is transferred to provinces. Federal Government is left with only 40%, only 1600 billion, which is not even enough to run state apparatus. Thus the package announced has to be shared from total federal pool or aid. It also has brought home one aspect, the capability of provinces, uniformity of policies at nationallevel,the question of Federation’s role. In 1971 crisis, the country broke down on six points. Mr Bhutto, who was very wise and powerful politician, while drafting 1973 Constitution, kept concurrent list and role of Centre on all the subjects now transferredto provincesin 18thAmendment. Unfortunately, 18th Amendment Bill was passed without any national debate, as acceptedin Supreme Court. Parliament was constituently not elected for the purpose. PML-N went along with PPP to enact it to have opportunity to be in a position forMNS to have premiership third time.All concurrent list subjects were transferred to provinces. But to have maximum power, not autonomy in classical sense, both parties went for it. ConsequentlyMNS became third time PM and what he did in third term is history. He is sitting abroad as convict. There were also problems during 2010 floods. The anomalies of 18thAmendment cropped up even then. Every passing day it is becoming apparent Federation is weakening. Present Corona Virus pandemic is a national calamity yet we find provinces and centre drifting apart on this national issue, whereas maximum coherence is required. Unfortunately, political parties are settling their own scores. They must, and have right to give recommendations. They, however, cannot demand veto power on elected Chief Executive. To suggest recommendations is their responsibility but after that Government in power is the best judge. Take any government in the world, it is the Chief Executive who ultimately is responsible and decide. This is not time to settle personal agendas. Similar problems are coming up in budgetary allocation, handling law and order, education, national tourism policy, water and many other subjects and most important now health. There is differing approach between provinces and centre even on national issues. It is weakening the federation and not strengthening. Further, in this milieu there is a great danger of sabotage through fifth generation warfare plus even physical sabotage and external aggression. Federation has to be watchful. Unity is call for day. Itisthus requiredto have critical review of 18thAmendment. It can be done within Parliament by consensus, if sanity prevails. Other, a petition is required to be filed in the Supreme Court to hold referendum on the issue. It is prudentinstead of doing away withthe amendment;it could be reviewed clause by clauseto create balance/concurrency between Federation and Provinces. There is no doubt there is requirement to have cohesiveness in the matter of over two dozen subjects.And, balance between power of Governors and Chief Ministers similarly greater role of President is envisaged through direct election, especially in times of crisis. Further, to enrich NA with technology, in allocation of seats to Technocrats representation in NA, say 1/3 seats be elected through direct election.All women against General/Technical seats be directly contested through Electoral College of women votes. Nations pass through evolutionary process if the society in general and polity in particular to be developed. In the Western Parliamentary system this evolution go on, if total collapse is to be avoided. Pakistanmusttailorits democratic norms keepingin viewthe social, political, geo strategic and economic strengths and constraints. —The writer, a retired Brigadier, is Secretary of Army Reorganisation Committee in the 90s.
