Promises vs compromises

Let it not be construed from this writing that one is trying to sell hopelessness and nostalgia. Let bygones be bygones if the future offers us something qualitatively different.

But the problem is, as the events unfurl every day in political and economic spheres, we are unfortunately experiencing more of the same or even worse with a slightly different nomenclature and façade. And this isomorphism in the mode of governance is what everyone laments.

We surely do not know much of Imran Khan’s compulsions and constraints but what he says and does is not what was expected from him, given his long-drawn political struggle for change. Perhaps we deluded ourselves by expecting him to do the impossible or perhaps he portrayed himself as larger than life. In either case, the outcome so far is largely depressing.

The first question mark on IK’s vision of ‘Naya Pakistan’ appeared when the so-called electables flocked to join the PTI. Even ordinary voters wondered how people with proven incompetence and dishonesty would realize the dream of Quaid-e-Azam. But Imran Khan, by successfully incarnating the founding leader and Allama Iqbal, assuaged his followers that if the leader at the top is competent and honest, the entire system of governance would respond as the leader wished.

This was his trickle-down theory, which states that what a leader stands for ultimately transpires into the actions of his/her followers and subordinates. Given his personal integrity, his trickle-down theory was accepted by many despite its unfounded assumptions (including the passivity of followers and the existence of an enabling environment).

After winning the elections, which the mainstream political parties believed to have been snatched away from them, the real test for IK’s leadership was his team selection. As a charismatic leader, he always distinguished himself as someone who always thought big. But the formation of his team at the centre and in the two provinces (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab) reflected considerations other than merit.

The two chief ministers were the least expected candidates to run governments better than their predecessors. One still does not understand the underlying logic of this bizarre selection except accepting the presumption of placing someone who could be controlled from Islamabad and made a scapegoat in case of failure.

By looking at the 100-day plan, one believed that the least the new government under IK’s leadership would be able to do was to put the country back on track. A country which is sixth in population but 147th in human development, rich in natural resources but 173rd in GDP, founded in the name of Islam but rotten to the core in corruption has never been ruled with a strategic plan. The PTI, too, lacks a clear roadmap about the goals it had set in its 100-day plan. Most of its policies are no more than a long wish-list.

The most puzzling aspect of the current governance model (if there is any) is learning by doing. Instead of finding indigenous solutions to the country’s socio-economic problems, the prime minister is trying to replicate the governance models of other countries (China, Turkey, and Malaysia in particular). Every country is unique and has to be managed in a way which ensures sustainability and brings about the desired change.

We must all be kidding ourselves if we are led to believe that Pakistan will transform into a developed economy and a vibrant society any time soon. Governing a country as diverse and strategically positioned as Pakistan is a monumental task.

An inclusive, accountable, and effective government requires, inter alia, institutional reforms that reflect the local and global changing landscape. Quick fixes and a-hero-driven culture – the two most practised approaches in Pakistan – have happened to have a short-lived analgesic effect on state and society but they have essentially hindered institutional development.

Imran Khan’s dream of transforming Pakistan into the state of Madina is undoubtedly praiseworthy. It would certainly revitalize the nation’s spirit at a time when different ethnic groups and minorities do not see the silver lining. It is also important for tolerating tactical mistakes made in pursuit of strategic goals but it becomes useless when people find a disconnect between words and deeds.

Let us hope that IK is in the driving seat and his vision is as believable and fresh as it was on October 30, 2011. For this to happen, IK should now invest more in implementing his vision with clear action plans and milestones rather than blaming the previous governments for every political and economic failure. He should by now own the system as it is and introduce economic reforms before things get out of control.

The writer teaches at SZABIST, Islamabad.

Email: dr.zeb@szabist-isb.edu.pk