IS it not worthless for any country if it fails to manage the concerned loan? Is it a fact that Pakistan is rich in natural resources including renewable and non-renewable ones? Isn’t it strange to ask for help despite having abundant natural resources within the state? Anyhow, it is stated that efficient management either for upcoming IMF loans or natural resources of the state itself is equally crucial for the socio-economic development of a country but also the redemption of poor management. Because repercussions of poor management have already shaped in the form of the unprecedented burden of debt on the country, economic crisis, the rampant increase in poverty and unemployment, energy downfall, diminishing foreign direct investment, extremism in society, miseries for people and mostly heart-wrenchingly as always education uplift dichotomy.
Pakistan plans to seek a new loan of at least six billion dollars from the International Monetary Fund to assist the incoming government repay billions in debt due this year. No doubt that economic uplift and development are the only way for the state but a lack of visionary leadership is parallel to it. Because no nation has found the climax and height of glory in the world without the proactive role of a quixotic leader. The words of the great Nelson Mandela will aptly comprehend the idea that “Politicians think about the next election while statesmen think about the next generation.” Pakistan is without any doubt abundant with politicians but few leaders. On the contrary, ex-prime minister and currently imprisoned Imran Khan urges the same IMF to halt loans for Pakistan with strong reservations about not being paid back such time-trapped debts. Because the prevalent situation in Pakistan is extremely fathom and fragile. Another twist in the tale or reverberation between cynicism and bewilderment is Pakistan’s present position on Israel in ICJ, as Pakistan will present its position at the ongoing advisory proceedings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case on Israel on Friday.
Despite such perplexed conditions, the IMF has said that the international body looks forward to working with the new government in Pakistan for “macroeconomic stability and prosperity for Pakistanis.” Akin to such a green signal from the IMF, quality education has a significant part in gaining its share because education is efficient in the management of the state’s resources but masses rarely and infrequently find it effective rather mostly find it dormant. Because the educators are knowers and the Glorious Qur’an says, “Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?” In this regard, state universities play a major role not only in generating revenue but also in effective policymaking. But again it is only possible when such institutions prevail in their sustenance first, which is already in chaotic crisis, and expecting from it would be akin to waiting for Godot. The government ought to pay serious attention to its intention to gain back its yield but again it’s a matter of visionary leadership. I feel fear that the education sector particularly Higher Education, which is globally acknowledged for state growth would still highly be ignored in these loans and the masses only pave the way for redemption will be once again in no man’s land. Because Martin L Gross says, “Politicians are masters of the art of deception.” May it not be proven again.
Besides, a mechanism of accountability and transparency in every institution is in dire need to act proficiently intended to have a gentle use of natural resources and upcoming loans. Because loopholes in such institutions badly impact developmental projects in the country and there must be zero tolerance. Rampant corruption, nepotism and greedy officials should be targeted foremost and at top priority. Because proactive accountability and effective transparency in the country ought to be anticipated. If it shows any lethargy, it will surely result in poor management of resources in the country. Similarly, Bob Proctor remarks, “Accountability is the glue that bonds commitment to results.” As Pakistani masses mostly witnessed the so-called commitments and slogans and the result led to W. B Yeats’ The Second Coming.
In a nutshell, What is more crucial for the incoming government is that the innumerable issues and discriminations being faced by the common man in our corrupt society should not be tolerated and ignored; rather it should not only be highlighted but also implemented at the right time effectively, which is right now otherwise it will be no more than merely a display of rhetoric as done by various previous governments. All in all, proper policymaking to sustain sound and smooth governance is inevitable and also the dire need of the time. Otherwise, the country cannot compete in this world of strife and struggle.
—The writer is Lecturer at University of Loralai, Balochistan.
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