Can Pakistan correct course?

Experience of other countries has demonstrated if politics is practiced on the basis of internationally recognized principles and constitutionalism, governments remain stable, are able to contribute for the well being of masses and judged by history positively.

These attributes are not easily fostered and take several generations and remain the dividing line between developed and developing nations. This, however, does not imply that leaders of the developed world are above board, or everything in these countries works according to legal norms. What is different is that the system is strong and comes into play to effect self-correction.

Developing countries that strengthened institutions by promoting a just political order, focused on mass education and the health sector, were able to transform their countries. South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia are classic examples of this economic change and improvement in the quality of life of their people.

Korea and Taiwan despite having gone through prolonged military dictatorship are now functioning democracies. Indonesia too after protracted dictatorship and political unrest is set on a democratic path.

In contrast, Pakistan remains a weak democracy and is on a continuous downward slope. What is disturbing is that no corrective measures are discernible that the political parties or the state institutions are taking to prevent and reverse the slide. If this indifference continues it will further drag the economy down, create political chaos and overall image and standing of the country would suffer.

The tragic PIA plane crash took away 97+1 precious lives and destroyed houses and property valuing millions, and opened a Pandora’s box, exposing that 141 pilots serving in Pakistan and abroad have dubious credentials. It sent shock waves in the aviation industry and shattered the image of PIA,   and other Pakistani airlines. Moreover, this revelation would further compound the acute financial crisis Pakistani airlines are facing with long-term consequences. If the CAA and PIA managements fail to take substantive corrective measures soon it could have serious consequences.

The fraud and professional incompetence in these organizations is a reflection of the general malaise that presently afflicts our nation at large. But this is one sector where business as usual the government can ill afford.
We also need to remind ourselves that it is the same PIA whose pilots and aeronautical engineers played a major role in the establishment of several regional airlines. This demonstrates that with placement of able leadership and professional competence the airline and CAA could make a comeback and rehabilitate the confidence of the international regulatory agencies and the people.

The magnitude of the challenge PIA faces at present while competing with major regional airlines is stupendous. Emirates, Turkish and Qatar Airlines have hundreds of modern aircraft in their fleet with huge budgets and solid government support. Their success, however, is due to professionalism and strict adherence to International Air Traffic Association (IATA) regulations and international safety practices.

Success or failure of organizations or governments largely depends on the quality of leadership. There are certain unwritten protocols of behavior that leaders have to follow irrespective of their personal views. The recent unguarded statement of the Prime Minister in the National Assembly where he addressed Osama bin Laden as a martyr provided enough ammunition for the Indian leadership and international media to intensify their smear campaign against Pakistan. But this was not merely a question of how India and the world reacted. It has hurt millions of Pakistanis and people around the globe who have been victims of Al Qaeda’s terrorist activities. What is most worrying is that if the PM is even aware of these sensitivities. The explanation offered by the Minister of Information that it was a slip of tongue would not have many takers.

Moreover, when the PM, ministers and political leaders whether in government or opposition, make statements in the National Assembly, Senate or public forums they need to be well prepared and measured. Some of the recent remarks or speeches by our leaders were not factually correct and even embarrassing.

Whereas, it is necessary for leaders to look back and reflect on past major events but what is glaringly missing is their lack of focus in relating to the present and future developments. We are living in a fast-changing world and it is important that the government prepares the people to face the challenges and opportunities the new era offers. In fact, PTI had come with the slogan of building a New (Naya) Pakistan but it seems this laudable goal has been set aside as survival is now its top priority.

In the prevailing state of national flux the case of Justice Qazi Isa acquires even greater significance. As it touches the soul of the nation its outcome would have a huge bearing on determining the future direction of the state. Indeed, great responsibility rests on every major power center to uphold the Constitution as it has consequences not only for the present generation but also for posterity.

To garner the support of allies and ensure the safe passage of the budget the PM has been attending the National Assembly sessions. He could make a major contribution to strengthening parliamentary democracy if he would make it a regular feature. He has to also listen in person to what the opposition has to say. It would enhance not diminish the PM’s stature.
These changes may appear inconsequential to the uninitiated but could contribute significantly in pushing back the influence of nondemocratic forces in national decision-making and firming up our emaciated democracy.
Our history bears witness that whenever political leaders have spent their energy in infighting, advancing personal rather than societal and national goals, democracy has faltered and so has governance. And the security establishment, bureaucracy and business elite have tried to fill the power vacuum. Signs of governance decline are manifest today in several areas — the sugar and wheat crisis and fuel unavailability to name a few.
The people of Pakistan continue to suffer by policy chaos and political and bureaucratic incompetence. This has to end.