Much awaited election phase is over! Numbers on the result board are reflecting the true worth of political parties. None of the parties could secure enough seats to form the federal government. Results of the provincial assemblies are also showing the voting trends similar to the past with few exceptions. PPP remained almost unchallenged in the Sindh rural areas and managed to win few more seats in urban centers. MQM-P has regained its lost electoral territory to a great extent in Urban Sindh. PTI backed independent winners have emerged as majority group in KP. No major change is visible in Punjab assembly as far as numbers of PMLN and PTI backed independent candidates are concerned. However, PPP has managed to improve its position in Punjab as compared to the past elections.
Baluchistan assembly continues to reflect the split mandate as usual. Foot prints of major parties in all provinces are good omen for federation. Apparently, mandate in provinces is quite clear and formation of government by majority holder parties would be easier as compared to the center. Split mandate in the center is true reflection of polarized political landscape. Pakistan desperately needs quick restoration of internal stability and national unity. Burden flatly rests on the shoulders of recently elected political leadership. Voters have done their job with an encouraging turn out on the polling day.
Now, it is the turn of political parties to fulfill the golden promises made with public during the election campaign. As a matter of fact, disturbing polarization is outcome of unwise strategies of major political parties. Pakistan cannot afford the replay of disappointing statesmanship shown by the rulers during recent past tenure after 2018 elections. Confrontational policies of decision makers actually brought the country to the edge of absolute disaster. Forces inimical to stability and existence of Pakistan are optimally exploiting the blunders committed by none other than our elected representatives. Those who are now brainstorming to formulate the government, should first introspect dispassionately.
Worsening economic deterioration brought on the heads of masses during past five years is almost unbearable. Let’s admit that elected representatives, irrespective of party affiliations, could not deliver after 2018 elections. In other words, elected rulers have failed their voters with undesired governance failure. An unprepared ruling lot cannot cover-up collective inefficiency with its popularity for longer duration. Post-election wheeling and dealing to form the next government is visible due to obvious split mandate. Apparently, a coalition government and strong opposition is likely to emerge in national assembly. Next government will have to tackle multiple challenges from the outset. Political leadership needs to take a clear break from outdated methods. Restoration of stability is only possible with a rehashed approach towards undermentioned grey areas:-
One; economic crisis merits immediate attention. Workable long term plan is needed to break the vicious cycle of uncontrollable inflation and currency devaluation. In past, no progress could be made on much talked about economic reforms. Short term politicized relief measures subsequently put unaffordable burden on weak economic infrastructure. It is about time to adopt a long term economic and reforms plan for next ten years.
Two; governance standards need definite improvement. Performance of government sector in the fields of education, health, justice, social welfare and provision of basic amenities of life has remained below the average.
Three; Pakistan cannot prosper with prevailing polarization. Leadership especially next government should ensure the end of the revengeful politics and culture of baseless allegations. Unity must be preferred over division and polarization. Confrontational approach on national issues eventually damages the decision making process.
Four; surging terrorism is posing serious challenge in KP and Baluchistan. Coordinated terrorist attacks ahead of elections are enough to understand the objectives of hostile forces. Threats emerging from hostile and disturbed neighborhood are persistently multiplying the security risks for Pakistan. A consensus based counter terrorism strategy must be evolved by the parliament without playing political games on this sensitive issue.
Five; recent past political disorder was not viewed positively by the international community. Diplomatic stature must be restored with effective projection of Pakistan’s stance on regional and international issues. Pakistan has justified peculiar stance on complexities attached with Kashmir issue, cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, Indian state sponsored terrorism, Israeli atrocities in Gaza and global power contestation. Internally stable and economically strong Pakistan can pursue all objectives in diplomatic domains more effectively.
Six; institutional supremacy of all constitutional bodies must be revived through rehashed democratic policies. Politicians elected for the parliament should feel their responsibility towards the nation. Public mandate should not be spoiled with undue agitation outside the parliament. Voters expect a better show on the floor of parliament and improved governance.
(Writer is freelance and can be reached at [email protected])
