Not all is bad

I recently happened to attend an informal gathering of some intellectual and political analysts. The topic was obviously the Independence Day celebrations. The majority was of the view that there was nothing to celebrate about. I could understand the gloomy mood in the backdrop of the prevailing situation. However, I thought that their views did not take into consideration things that have changed and do provide adequate reasons to celebrate.
Independence and national days are indeed celebrated by all nations with a lot of enthusiasm and rejoicing to recount their achievements, reiterating the resolve of the people and the rulers to leave a healthy legacy behind. Seen through this prism our history of the past six decades has been dismally, marred by a criminal deviation from the vision of the founding father. The country is at a crossroads. But all is not lost and we do have cogent and encouraging reasons to celebrate our independence with unswerving faith in our destiny.
First of all, notwithstanding the political hiccups orchestrated and encouraged by anti-democratic forces and the prevailing political crisis, there is no denying the fact that democracy has survived and is gaining strength gradually. The political forces seem to have learnt from their past mistakes and there is almost a national consensus on nurturing the sapling of democracy come what may. The country has witnessed a smooth power transition through the ballot and the crisis fomented by the anti-democratic forces has been successfully thwarted through impregnable unity among the political forces with the support of the state institutions – the judiciary and the establishment.
The verdict of the Judicial Commission has given a new lease of life to democracy. The civilian and military leadership is on the same page about the internal and external challenges confronting the country and are working hand in hand with steely determination to ward off the dangers lurking on the horizon. These are rare developments indeed that have rekindled the hopes for a march towards our cherished destiny.
Terrorism and extremism, which pose an existentialist threat and have almost destroyed the country due to the inaction of the previous regimes and their criminal apathy to perceive danger, have been effectively challenged by the present government and the security establishment. Operation Zarb-e-Azb and the National Action Plan have achieved tremendous success. During the last year almost the entire infrastructure of the terrorists in North Waziristan has been dismantled. The success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb has created space for decisive action against terrorists throughout the length and breadth of the country. The National Action Plan is being implemented with a remarkable sense of urgency as is evident from raids conducted against proscribed organisations and action taken against unregistered seminaries and those suspected of having connections with terrorists and extremists.
The law and order situation in Karachi has greatly improved. The graph of the incidents of target killing, extortion and kidnapping for ransom has nosedived though we still have a long way to go. The citizens of Karachi feel the change and are more confident than ever before about their safety and the ability to move freely. The targeted operation by the Rangers is on course and the government is determined to continue it without any let-up despite the political pressure being exerted by the MQM ever since its commencement and the latest ploy to resign from the assemblies.
A clear message has been given – that in the interest of peace and tranquillity in the country the government would very much like the MQM to remain politically engaged and be part of the system but there is no way it would compromise on the targeted operation in Karachi, initiated with the consensus of all the political forces and stakeholders in Karachi.
The two-pronged strategy of the government under the National Action Plan to show zero tolerance to insurgents in Balochistan combined with political initiative to bring the insurgents and their leaders back to the national mainstream and offering lucrative incentives for those who surrender, has also shown visible signs of success. Hideouts of the insurgents are being raided. Hundreds have either been captured or killed. Similarly, responding to the government’s overtures many insurgents and their leaders have surrendered before the authorities. Reports of contacts with exiled leaders are also very encouraging. Compared to last year, there has been a considerable reduction in the incidents of sectarian killings and acts of terrorism. The government and the security establishment deserve unqualified accolades for these achievements – and so do the people of Pakistan who have lent unstinted support to these efforts.
On the economic front also there has been encouraging progress. There are credible and verifiable signs of revival in the economy owing to some prudent economic decisions and management. The budget deficit which stood at 8.4 percent in 2013 when the present government was installed has been brought down to 4.8 percent. Inflation has been reduced to 4.53 percent, credit to the agriculture sector has increased to Rs515.87 billion, and development spending has touched Rs427.67 billion. GDP growth, which stood at a dismal 3.1 percent, has been enhanced to 4.24 percent. Per capita income has increased to $1,513 and foreign exchange reserves have reached a record level of $18.695 billion while the stock exchange has touched new heights.
These facts have been duly endorsed by international lending institutions and rating agencies. It would perhaps be pertinent to mention how they view this phenomenon. A report by Bloomberg says: “[The]Nawaz government took charge in a highly unfavourable situation yet it has been able to put the country on the path of economic progress. Forbes observed “macroeconomic and structural reforms over the last couple of years have narrowed the budget deficit and raised GDP to a stable 4.5%”. In May, Standard and Poor’s upgraded Pakistan’s credit rating from stable to positive. Moody’s also upgraded the credit rating of Pakistan.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Pakistan’s economy has improved, thanks to prudent monetary and fiscal policies. The Economist endorsed the IMF’s prediction that Pakistan’s economy would grow by 4.7 percent during the next year. It also observed that there were some indications of upturn in spending as the State Bank cut its benchmark interest rate of 7 percent, the lowest in 42 years.
All the foregoing achievements, despite the debilitating impact of the ‘dharna politics’ are encouraging and positive portents about what the future holds for us. These realities cannot be denied even by the most pessimistic and irreconcilable cynics. Hopes have been revived.
The writer is a freelance contributor.
Email: ashpak10@gmail.com