AS the new government settles down, it is confronted with a broad spectrum of challenges that demand immediate attention and strategic action. Internally, political instability, economic fragility, and growing security threats have taken a heavy toll. Externally, the fracturing world order, intensifying US-China rivalry, an aggressive neighbour to the east, and a volatile situation to the west have imperilled national security.
Given several pressing issues, the ability of the new government to tackle all simultaneously is constrained by the complexity of the challenge. The government would need to prioritise at least the following 10 urgent challenges to steer the country out of the crisis zone and put it on a path to stability. These priorities serve as a strategic roadmap identified by experts participating in discussions convened by the Sanober Institute.
First, a period of relative political stability is needed. A grand national dialogue leading to a national consensus is required for political parties and the major institutions to enable the political process to run its course. While democracy allows for peaceful protests, there must be no tolerance for violence on the streets, which endangers the very people in whose name the protests are carried out.
Second, restoring economic stability should also be a top priority. We cannot afford to continue living beyond our means. The government must chalk out a plan for cutting wasteful expenditure in the central and provincial governments.
At least 10 urgent challenges confront Pakistan.
Third, an emergency plan must be prepared to address inflation, which is causing immense stress and could lead to social strife if not tackled immediately.
Fourth, we must expedite the operationalisation of the Special Economic Zones and optimally use Gwadar Port, where much development work has already been completed.
Fifth, the Special Investment Facilitation Council could be expanded to include more sectors and investors from within the country and abroad.
Sixth, we must develop our capabilities for climate adaptation and mitigation while collaborating with global climate negotiating processes.
Seventh, concrete steps must be taken towards good governance. If the government visibly institutes merit, transparency and rule of law in all that it does, it would serve the people well. This is not easy when elite capture is so entrenched. Yet, for democracy to survive, good governance is the only way forward. Likewise, local governments must be established. As ‘all politics is local’, societal problems can only be addressed effectively at the grassroots.
Eighth, robust internal security is a prerequisite for boosting the confidence of local and foreign investors. To that end, the government should initiate police reforms and take steps to apply the law of the land uniformly in all territories of Pakistan. The intelligence agencies must closely coordinate their response to deal with security threats, particularly the actions of external hostile agencies active in our region.
Ninth, securing borders and reviewing ties with our neighbours is a strategic imperative. It is important to revitalise the functioning of the National Security Committee and appoint a national security adviser to manage security issues in an institutionalised manner. A strategic security review should be undertaken to prepare the nation to address the full spectrum of complex threats.
Finally, our foreign policy requires a fundamental review. We must firmly adhere to the principle of non-involvement in external conflicts, prioritising, instead, the cultivation of peaceful external relations. Pakistan’s founder had advised that our foreign policy be one of “friendliness and goodwill”. We should also find ways to engage with our neighbours from the perspective of geo-economics. For informed decision-making, all key foreign policy issues should be discussed in parliament and opened up for public debate.
Pakistan should maintain and strengthen its ties with both the US and China, with special emphasis on economic cooperation. With India, it should remain receptive to any initiative New Delhi might take, now or after elections in May, while maintaining our formal position on the Kashmir dispute. We should also stay engaged with the Afghan government at multiple levels to prevail upon the Taliban not to enable the TTP to launch terrorist attacks against Pakistan. With the Gulf countries undergoing transformational changes, Pakistan should gear up for enhanced economic and commercial engagement with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations.
All of this is a tall order, but with proactive management and right prioritisation, the challenges can be overcome.
The writer is a former foreign secretary.
Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2024
