With Imran’s rise, Pakistanis are more hopeful than usual
Despite near-bankruptcy, isolation and economic default, people in Pakistan seem to have faith in new government
Despite renewed violence, allegations of a rigged election, regional isolation and prospect of outright economic default, Pakistanis seem to welcome the 71st Independence Day with a sense of hope not seen since the early Zulfikar Ali Bhutto days in the 70s, at least.
On the internal front, they are confident in the new PTI government’s ability, even though it is untested, to handle the economic mess — which, rightly, is going to be the number-one priority. And they seem to believe Imran Khan that once economic exploitation and deprivation are addressed sincerely, the insurgency will simply lose its rationale for most militants. But, of course, it is slightly more complicated.
The economy is such a disaster — highest deficit, lowest earnings in decades — not because of structural flaws or natural disasters as much as corruption, theft, kickbacks and money laundering on part of our elected leaders. Add to that their complete inability to stimulate conventional avenues of raising revenue like taxes and trade and you’ll know why we’ve been running on loans since democracy was fought for and won in the country. But as the anti-corruption drive gathered momentum in the buildup to the election, and a number of our dear leaders’ big sums stashed in offshore havens were exposed, a visible change in public sentiment was observed throughout the country.
Almost everybody that lost cried foul, but people could be seen thronging to Imran’s rallies, in the usual large numbers, since well before the election. Now they expect PTI to check corruption in government, prosecute the guilty, and bring back looted wealth — which, according to the Press, is well into the tens of billions (dollars). Not only would that take care of much of the debt but it would also finally put some money into public funding and bring some relief to the people.
“And I’ll prove that people will pay taxes once they trust the leadership,” he told Khaleej
in an exclusive interview two months before the election. “I raise five billion rupees every year for Shaukat Khanam Cancer Hospital from the people.” Hence the optimism regarding the economy, which everybody else sees as a time bomb.
Much confidence also stems from faith in PTI’s promise to strengthen state institutions. For decades PSEs (public sector enterprises) like railways and the national flag carrier, which are mandated with service delivery and revenue generation, have been hemorrhaging to the tune of Rs500-600 billion annually. The main reason, again, is bloating them with inefficient, corrupt, non-professional political appointees instead of deserving professionals. Just by checking corruption and loot, Pakistanis expect PTI to deliver a freer economy, better governance and improved security sooner rather than later.
There are good signs on the external front as well even though some strains will cast a long shadow. The new government would have hoped for a better start with Washington, but with President Trump turning off aid and military training, and Secretary Pompeo pouring cold water on a possible IMF bailout, it will take a while for clarity to emerge. Plus, Imran has long vowed to disengage with the US war, linking it with ending the uprising in Pakistan’s tribal area.
But there are good vibes from everywhere else including the EU, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan and, most importantly, India. President Ghani expressed great confidence about moving forward towards a common goal after speaking with Imran. That goal, of course, is not just ending the wars on both sides but also enhancing commerce, upgrading trade industry and empowering individuals. Once more and more people are bound by economics, few will find it more profitable to fight.
On top of everything else, almost everyone expects Imran to also finally break the ice with India. Prime Minister Modi’s call soon after Imran’s victory, hoping for a new beginning, is indicative of the mood in Delhi as a new, different type of government takes power in Islamabad. Imran, needless to say, has been a great friend of India and Indians right from his early cricket days. And while he’s never held back in appreciating his friends, adversaries and counterparts, he has also been hailed as one of Pakistan’s best ambassadors, and a hard worker who always gets the job done. That his elevation to the PM’s seat can inspire the BJP government into thinking of reengagement — which it did not when Nawaz was in power — says a lot.
Perhaps it’s just a coincidence that a new government is being sworn in just around Independence Day. But there is a clear feeling of a new beginning, even more than seven decades after the country’s birth. That is why Pakistanis are more hopeful than usual, celebrating even as a rundown, near-bankrupt, isolated country hopes to revive its economy and reclaim its prestige.
Now they expect PTI to check corruption in government, prosecute the guilty, and bring back looted wealth — which, according to the Press, is well into the tens of billions (dollars).