Rizwan Ghani
IS the current government on course to deliver at
all levels or needs course correction? The container politics in Islamabad, calls for protest (even on behest of foreign elements), calls for resignation and Imran’s refusal to resign are reminiscent of previous rules and rulers. Such moves are part of healthy democracy but with time they are likely to increase and louder. I think the current government and its prime minister want to serve the country so let us help them in doing just that. In this regard there is a need of major course correction to serve the public and state. People need jobs and they will come with strong economy. Since our economic model is aligned with global standards so it makes sense to follow their policies to create jobs, adopt renewable energy and improve economy. Instead of allocating Rs100bn for youth employment, it would be lot better if government entitles every Pakistan (youth) to small and medium enterprises loan based on their proposals whose plans are approved by the concerned committees and approval of the university. Government should give loans to households to shift to alternate energy to permanently get rid of circular debt of Rs800 billion.
In this regard UK model can help. The country has allowed foreign university graduates qualifying from local universities to stay in UK for 2 years after graduation and will offer immigration to them if they manage to start a successful (small and medium) business or find a job. The plans will be approved by the relevant committees and university departments within stipulated timeframe: maximum six months. The idea is neither unique nor new. It can be achieved in the UK government system.
But can it be done in our country? Only government can answer this question. Because there is need to the red tape, eliminate corruption, transparent allocation of funds, keep the politicians out of the entire process, empower universities, banks, put in place practical checks (one page checkbox list) to help employ 80 percent unemployed graduates in next 6-8 months. Fawad (minister for information and broadcasting) missed the point when he rejected calls for government to create jobs (6 to 12 percent share).
The government passes laws and keeps a strong check on the entire process as its financer because it will ultimately be held accountable for spending of Rs 100bn from the state exchequer. The system after necessary checks will help graduates self employ, open new businesses, expand employment and strengthen economy. Fawad wasted a golden opportunity to translate Imran’s efforts to win support of country’s educated youth with youth employment program. If anti-corruption, merit, speed of work and transparency are hall marks of this government then it should stand up and put it to test to put millions of graduates to work to really show the opposition how really things work in new Pakistan. Only then no will ask for prime minister’s resignation and if things will go as they then such voices will only get louder and even Imran wouldn’t be able to do anything. The government of the day has to earn to stay in power on daily basis. Five-year term is no carte blanche to stay in power.
Government is not victim of its anti-corruption agenda as it is being portrayed due to the non-cooperation of the opposition parties. The media will portray likes of Zardaris and Sharifs in different shades but it is job of the government to come with practical plans to rise above party politics and fulfill its party manifesto. Similarly, the NAB chairman instead of giving media interviews should issue list of financial crimes and fines with flowchart to help financial and white collar criminals to apply for electronic clearance to NAB under the watchful eyes of judiciary and Justice Ministry on-lines of FBR guidelines for tax-payment and submitting tax form. The walking of police personnel in Sahiwal tragedy has once again shown that like previous governments this government has also failed to change police (mafia) culture. The change of statements by more than 50 witnesses and exoneration of alleged culprits is matter of shame for our government, the judiciary, the police department and above all the individuals who lacked moral and professional courage to own their crime and turn bring shame to entire nation.
Imran should understand that judiciary, bureaucracy and media are there to help the government of the day. He should involve them in state affairs to serve the public. Take away funding from politicians and return it deputy commissioner who is the right person to deliver with help of his or her 17 line departments. Like the western world, the lawmakers should be restricted to law making. Our lawmakers are making laws to control the state, its institutions and policies which they are not authorized to do.
Constituent assembly had made our constitution. We should restore the 1973 constitution and lawmakers should focus on daily needs of public. If UK can work without a constitution we don’t need one and let common sense run our country’s routine bread and butter affairs. The powers of suo motu (like Scottish Court’s power to check government) and judicial review are constitutional right of judiciary. Our judges should exercise them as a public duty starting with Sahiwal tragedy is need of the hour. Imran should understand that it’s the perception not reality that matters in politics. If public perceives that PTI has failed to deliver then that is it.
—The writer is senior political analyst based in Islamabad.
