Now fix governance to prevent IK-like projects

Is Pakistan prepared to reform its political system now that its economy is back on track and it has obtained significant respite through an agreement with the IMF?

Following the liquidation of post-May 9 PTI, our two-party system stands reinstated, and we are currently grappling with the structural challenges that have hindered the growth and progress of our political system.

The two political dynasties will now have another opportunity to reform and enhance the system in the upcoming elections. Without assigning blame, it is crucial to identify the flaws in our political system and understand why it urgently needs reform.

For many, the Imran Khan project was a noble endeavour to create a trustworthy leader and party that could guide our country towards a brighter future. Unfortunately, it fell short of its objectives.

The current political system, controlled by these dynasties, is plagued by poor policy choices, incompetence and a disregard for talent. When it comes to governance and merit, it is better to say less. The heads of various government bodies, with a few exceptions, have been deeply corrupt. This corruption has made it challenging to attract investments, projects and talented individuals to our country.

Therefore, the notion of people’s will dominating decision-making is nothing more than an illusion due to the constraints of our political economy.

Shockingly, it is estimated an individual would need a budget of up to 50 crores to bribe their way into parliament. In the Senate elections from Balochistan three years ago, even this scribe was asked to pay 45 crores, and that is well-known. This price tag is a damning indictment of the state of our political system, as it clearly excludes the poor and middle classes from participating in politics and parliament.

The MPAs and MNAs funds are a recipe for corruption. The party controls voters and raises expenses for electioneering, maintaining the influence of the electables. This goes against the ideology of any political party. These funds simply turn every party legislator into contractors who bribe and get bribed.

Given Pakistan’s precarious economic conditions and post-default situation, this looting of the development budget is unsustainable.

It is important to note the dislike for Imran Khan does not automatically translate into love for PMLN and PPP. Their leaders, particularly Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto, who aspire to become future prime ministers, need to understand this. The old ways of conducting politics and business are no longer acceptable.

Unless the next generation of these dynasties takes steps to reform the current system, it is highly likely that another Imran Khan project will emerge in the future. The youth of Pakistan, who make up 70 percent of the population, hold the potential to become the voters for another Imran project.

The power that be is currently grappling with the consequences of their support for Imran Khan, and in order to secure sound policy choices for the nation’s political future, it will maintain certain pressure points to exert influence on politicians. Given its vested interest in the country’s viability, and if the political elite does not reform it ways, the seat of power may eventually come to recognise that governance is a weighty matter that should not be entrusted to the politicians alone.

Nevertheless, the rent-seeking behaviour exhibited by the political elite must undergo a transformation. The collusion between politicians and corrupt bureaucrats, mafias and vested interest groups is no longer sustainable.

Pakistan, with its regressive policies lagging even behind some African nations, cannot sustain itself in a region where countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and China have formed a new European Union of the greater Middle East. The era of abundant cheap oil, dollars and loans has come to an end for Pakistan. The friendly nations are now insisting on a reformed system.

For the country to endure as a viable nation, it is imperative its political system undergoes reform to ensure that the people of Pakistan have access to a fair and equitable system of governance. Otherwise, if the system continues to be flawed, a third force or prospective IK-like projects may emerge in the future.

Jan Achakzai is a geopolitical analyst, a Balochistan politician and a former media and strategic communications advisor to GOB. He tweets @jan_Achakzai