Let’s just talk
THE Supreme Court’s verdict to hold the elections on 14th May is made controversial. Even if the financial and security issues permit the elections, having them in an unconducive environment will be challenging. For peaceful, fair and free polls, the onus rests with PTI, PPP and PML-N. What they need is to cool down and talk. This seems to be the best solution to get the country out of multiple complex crises.
The rivalry between PDM and PTI has reached a full-blown hostility, making the voices “either we or you” reverberate in the air. Extreme polarization is engulfing the people. It will not be too late before matters spiral entirely out of hand. Leading players fail to realize that this country has been mercilessly tortured for decades and has almost reached its limits. The lives of the destitute have been rendered miserable. Their homes are getting darker and their stoves are cooling down due to skyrocketing energy costs. They could hardly manage a modest meal a day. If no compassion is extended to them — their retaliation would be merciless.
The cause of all this desolation is the shattered economy. The only hope for survival is the IMF tranche which looks pretty bleak. Even the friendly countries that bailed out Pakistan in a similar plight have turned their backs. Stricter and more pertinent measures are necessary to save Pakistan from default without foreign aid. A government can take such steps only with the backing of people and institutions for successful implementation. People who trust a government and rely on its credibility that such harsh actions are for their betterment would accept and act on them. This government can only form with the votes of the people. All the parties need fresh mandate that should be acceptable to all across the board. This means the polls — elections. But a very conducive atmosphere is the prerequisite for a free and fair election. All the parties in the power-play need to reconcile with each other — dumping the past hostilities. They should work on an agenda of give and take, resting their egos aside. It’s time to let some respect, dignity and tolerance prevail in politics.
Here are some suggested points that can form the basis of reconciliation: PTI and PDM will work jointly toward the steps to streamline the economy.
- The opposition will fully support the government’s measures to curb inflation.
- They will not initiate any false cases against each other.
- There will be no more political victimization
- The blaming of each other for the country’s economic woes will cease. Anyways, there is no remedy in the blame game for the many afflictions the country is going through.
- There will be no interference from the establishment and both government and opposition will ensure to keep it out.
- All politicians will cease diatribe and mud-slinging against each other. Instead, they should create a political ethos based on respect, tolerance and morality.
- The leaders will advise their followers and social media activists to adopt the same approach.
- The incoming government will not resort to revenge tactics against its political opponents or government officials.
- A committee comprising the reputable members of each party should address and resolve any issues arising between the parties. The committee will oversee just implementation of the agreement.
- After the elections, all would embrace the results with open hearts.
Many political commentators believe that fair elections would pave for the stability of the government, subsequently leading to strengthening the economy. Only a government with the people’s mandate can take strict measures to put the economy back on track. It has been a critical pre-requisite of the friendly countries and IMF to formulate and implement the reforms to help bring sustainability to the economy. The conditions dictated by IMF could make the country stand on its own feet rather than keep on relying on foreign loans. That also aims to strengthen the economy by freeing the country from the loan culture.
Why economic reforms drafted with consensus are so significant can be gauged from the fact that even if we got the promised loans, they would be barely enough to make us survive transiently. Without sustainability, we would be banging again at the donors’ doors after a few months. It is not too distant in the past that two arch rivals, PPP and PMLN, jointly abrogated Article 52B in the constitution and then signed the charter of democracy. If they could do it then, why not now? The agreement would be a win-win situation for both the PDM and PTI and above all, it would be a significant relief for the country. PDM will benefit from securing a charter of the economy — allowing an opportunity to set the economy right and reign in the spiraling inflation. The PTI will be able to secure an election date for the national and provincial assemblies — amicably and peacefully.
All must realize now that the people of Pakistan have been suffering from extreme poverty, health, education and transportation issues since independence — sparing 1% elite class. The elite and the politicians have cherished the wealth of Pakistan at the cost of the blood and sweat of the poor working class. It’s time to pay back. Politicians and the establishment must take a bitter pill of reconciliation to ease the suffering of the despondent masses. The people can no longer afford to be held hostage by a few oligarchs, selfish and self-centred politicians. It’s high time to pay farewell to kleptocracy and get done with the policies of profligacy once and for all.
Let Pakistan resurrect. Let the egos drown. Let the compassion flow. For once, let’s all be true Pakistanis. We need sincerity and commitment toward easing the misery of our poor masses. Let’s Just Talk. Please.
—The writer is an engineer and contributing columnist with keen eye on current affairs, economics and technical issues related to power sector.
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