The Pakistan Democratic Movement’s government has completed a year, and sparked a vibrant debate over the matter: PML-N or PTI? Meanwhile, events have unfolded with rapidity, albeit with amazement. Without a shadow of a doubt, the year has warmly invited woes and regrets to visit the nation – a fresh chapter added to the voluminous history of Pakistan.
It all commenced with the trigger of the all-time-used old-fashioned weapon of politics: the blame game. In the decades-long history of Pakistan, the ruling party and the opposition have never taken a break for a conversation. Instead, a logjam adds spices every time. So was the case this time but excessively fueled with eagerness and venom as eleven (11) opposition parties formed a coalition: Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). The opposition weighed more. Once everything was approved, and a consensus reached, the PTI supreme leader, Imran Khan, was powerfully ousted. A no-confidence motion marked its debut. The regime change at the blind corner put high pressure on the dimensions of old politics. Enraged public, roaring politicians, sparking vitriols, and uncertainty vibrating in the atmosphere – no suitable thermometer could read such a high political temperature. The impasse triumphed. Then began the test time of PDM; expectations undoubtedly raised, and hope germinated. Surprisingly, however, PDM stubbornly posed the same stance from each angle of its ruling, be it the economy, violence, or ties with the armed forces. A lively comparison began then between the ruling coalition and PTI’s government.
Fiscal imbalance hinted at catastrophe, and wistfully, supervising eyes averted. Consequently, the economy crumbled. Several factors share the blame: doubling debts, bad governance, the disastrous 2022 flood, low productivity per capita, and poor economy-related policies. International watchdogs opine that the concerned policies are the culprits. Once put to work, they are inconsistent, and the gap expands with regime change, thereby burdening the pressure gradually. The outcomes are striking. The GDP rate is forecasted to get reduced to half its value in 2022 – a dip from 6% to 3.5% approximately. Next, though interestingly, PTI left the dollar rate at Rs. 186, which is valued at Rs. 280 now. Besides, the incumbent government is still toiling to implement IMF’s plan solely. Higher tax revenues also need to be generated. Also, price hikes ahead mean a suffocated fiscal space. Put simply, a long-time nation has to wait to rescue the country from the economic abyss only upon the condition of effective measures taken. All the mess has done nothing but divide the joys of a commoner and multiply his grief.
Furthermore, abortive attempts have barely curbed the crime rate. However, the existing government has fully contributed to the growing violence in the challenge of playing down PTI. The government created a mess of charges against Imran Khan, showering him with tons of cases. The Pakistani youth, being energetic and emotional, showed up flying in anger and appeared uncontrollable, which is notable from the Zaman Park incident. Out of the mud of politics, the street crime rate also climbed. Is this an indication that PTI was an influential ruling party of its time? Does this signal that Imran Khan is a better choice for the nation? Probably not. The youth, fed with raw emotions, are inclined towards PTI and Imran Khan to bring the new wave into politics. Truism claims that PML-N has always been backed by old-agers, whereas PPP invites little or no attention from young people. The rest of the elements of PDM are too leading to bring into the discussion. Imran Khan stands out.
A look back at the history of PTI reveals that the youth was the primary target of the party to grow its influence and support. Putting aside the violence out of the discussed corner, PDM, on its own, has also not focused on this issue. Nip the evil in the bud. As the turbulence has gained momentum, the government still thinks to axe it via the blame game shot.
A dialogue could provide immunity against looming crises, and PML-N and PTI shall set aside their agendas and discuss grave matters peacefully.
In general, Pakistan appears to sink deeper into the ongoing political unrest that has been targeting all sectors hard. No one could rein the situation. The army and the reputed courts were not let out of the game. While PTI targeted army personnel, PML-N expressed a grudge against the apex court. When in power, PTI pretended to have close and friendly ties with the army and stood confidently. Now, the party has changed its stance via a 180-degree shift as the former chief of army staff removed the support, leading to an easy out of Imran Khan. Army showered with threats. Contrarily, PML-N has shown more concern about upcoming elections, yearning to postpone them to October. The supreme court is deaf in this context and is serving. While the apex court hears PTI’s plea over the elections matters, it also seems to tidy up the mess of tons of charges against Imran Khan.
Considering the former discussion, the question popping up in one’s mind is: Which party could serve in a better way, PTI or PML-N? Illuminated by the experts’ review, the answer is a blend. A single wire cannot drive the current, or the battery will die. Accurately explained, a dialogue could provide immunity against looming crises. PML-N and PTI shall set aside their agendas and discuss grave matters peacefully. Securely, it is a realistic, approachable resort to divert Pakistan from becoming a banana republic. Either side should extend the olive branch warmly and handle the matter cordially. It is high time to stop raising objections and roasting each other. United, there is room for operative and easy-to-follow strategies, and the development will be less daunting. National plans’ implementation will require less effort as there will be dense and centered public support. In addition, unity will paint an improved picture before the world and guard Pakistan against foreign invasion.
Notably, the solution will not bear fruit soon, things require time. Thus, consistency and dedication are prerequisites. As a last word, the idea of dialogue might not be on the priority list of either side, but putting it into practice means a first step towards development and independence, which have always been the missing elements in Pakistan politics.