THERE is a visible disconnect between political elite and stake holders with ground realities, where over 95 million now live in poverty. Erosion of morality and ethics amongst novae rich, who amassed wealth through fake claims on Evacuee Property and entered politics, with complete disregard for norms, like conflicts of interest, is cause for alarm. Most politicians live in the past, without realizing that a lot of “water has passed under the bridges”. Poverty and hunger have jolted millions. Desperation amongst the population, facing inflation, unemployment etc. must be addressed, otherwise it can lead to chaos and damage Pakistan from within. Slogan mongering may still mislead a few, but large majority desperately wants a change, that translates into a better future for them and their children. What is needed, is a change, instead of political rhetoric, making promises which cannot be fulfilled, given the fact that national exchequer cannot sustain such dreams.
For change to occur, political parties must realize that the “Cooks who spoiled the Broth” cannot be expected to be part of solution. PML-N has published a manifesto, but it must realize that it cannot achieve even 30% of what it has promised. Similar is the situation with PPP, PTI etc. For change to occur, it must start from the top. Pakistan was created to be a modern democratic welfare state for all citizens with a Constitution as supreme law. It was never created to be a theocracy, nor a cantonment state. The solution to all our problems lies in continuation of political process, without any disruption, through holding free and fair polls. All state institutions must submit to supremacy of the Constitution and adopt Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan.
The manipulation of political processes, rather than fostering genuine representation, has only harmed Pakistan. Addressing this issue requires a thorough re-evaluation within the political system itself, separating the genuine aspirations from the manipulative agendas. This process must adhere to democratic principles and avoid resorting to political engineering or actions outside the constitutional framework.
Pakistan and India simultaneously gained independence through a political struggle in 1947. India adopted a Constitution by 1950 and has gone through political process, with emphasis on development of human resources, like setting up IIT and restructuring the paid bureaucracy, which they inherited from the colonial rule, whilst we unfortunately allowed likes of Iskandar Mirza, to disrupt the political process. Grievances of our Baloch brethren should be addressed through political process and ensuring that fruits of democracy and freedom must trickle down to them, and all others.
Rule of law must prevail. Peaceful protests must be tolerated and respected, whilst those who challenge writ of state through use of force, must be dealt with sternly. Almost 47% of Pakistan’s population is involved in agriculture sector for their livelihood. 90% of these farmers own less than 12.5 acres. Subsidies for agriculture must be targeted for those holding less than 12.5 acres. Under no circumstances should these farmers be dispossessed of their land. The State should consider allotment of any excess land, it holds, to these small farmers. Agriculture is the biggest source of livelihood for over 105.75 million citizens of Pakistan. Ever since this large-scale allotment of state lands to absentee landlords, including members of paid civil and uniformed services, shortages in agriculture yields have risen. Today, fro a country once self-sufficient in basic agriculture produce, we rely on imports to meet shortages. This shortage has become more acute because of unchecked population explosion.
The transformation of agricultural land into farmhouses and real estate projects around major cities and towns has severely impacted the environment. Mere bans on plastic bags won’t suffice to save it. This elitist capture by political and paid elite threatens national security by disrupting the food supply chain, leading to skyrocketing prices of essentials like onions. The ruling elite should have responded to this disconnect years ago. Pakistan possesses advanced data systems like NADRA, which could be utilized for direct taxation to bridge the revenue-expenditure gap and offer targeted subsidies to the poor.
According to a recent World Bank report, poverty in Pakistan has surged to 39.4%, affecting around 12.5 million people earning less than $3.65 per day in just one year. Urgent action is needed for financial stability. Pakistan’s per capita growth rate, at 1.7% between 2000 and 2020, lags far behind the South Asian average of 4%, highlighting economic stagnation. Economist Tobias Haque, a leading economist associated with World Bank, warns that Pakistan’s economic model is failing to alleviate poverty, with living standards below peer countries. World Bank country director for Pakistan, Najy Berhassine calls for a significant policy shift due to vested interests influencing decision-making. Pakistan also grapples with economic challenges, rising electricity prices, climate shocks, and inadequate public resources for development and climate adaptation.
Economic experts estimate that Pakistan has capacity to collect taxes equivalent to 22% of GDP, as compared to current 10.2%. All that is required is political will to immediately adopt austerity measures which can save equivalent of 1% GDP. Almost 5% improvement in GDP ratio can be achieved by withdrawing tax exemptions on Real Estate and heavily subsidized agriculture sectors, with targeted subsidies only to those holding in excess of 12.5 acres. Reduction in expenditure on loss making SOEs, along with stringent austerity measures on federal and provincial expenditure can save about Rs1.4 trillion, which can be used for targeted subsidies, accompanied by withdrawal of subsidies from the elite. After the 18th Amendment the provinces must share their burden of Higher Education Commission and support programs like BISP. Failure to do so entails likelihood of financial bankruptcy and economic collapse to depths, which will impact national economy.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.
Email: [email protected]
views expressed are writer’s own.
