Farah Adeed |
It has been almost four months now since Prime Minister Imran Khan assumed the office. We understand newcomers require training, time, and deliberation to frame their future course of actions. PTI asked for 100 days to let us feel the promised change.
Later on, it was clarified that the first feat was to “formulate policies” and the next target would be to implement them. We believed in whatever they said. But now it is the time to let PM Khan and his close aides know that the honeymoon period is over. Wake up!
What PTI has Achieved so far?
Pakistan’s foreign policy has been revamped. A new Pakistan with a better outlook and attractive leadership is being welcomed by Chinese, Saudis, and Americans. This deserves appreciation.
The honeymoon period is over, Mr. Prime Minister. Focus on the economy and the issues of money laundering. But do not ignore education, police, and health.
PM Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi have easily achieved what the previous government wished for. As a matter of fact, Pakistan is no longer an isolated state rather it is now being considered an important economic partner and a critical strategically.
What went Wrong?
Anti-corruption campaign is on rise since the day PM sat in his chair. Sharifs, Zardari, and mafias are being probed, held accountable for what they did and history is being made. But at the same time, there are some challenges, too. Is this slogan of accountability for everyone? Do we see what PM Khan says in his interviews, happening? How about those who misused their authority during the previous government and then decided to join the PTI? What is the evidence to accept PTI’s claim of accountability across the board? There is no denying of the fact that precious government not only looted the money but also damaged every institution of the country except the military. There were gross-root violations of merit, cases of money laundering, and large-scale corruption.
Read more: Did PTI achieve anything substantial in its 100 day test-run?
However, ongoing inquiries against Zardari and Sharifs give the strong impression as if it is nothing more than political victimization. Chaudhary brothers, once upon a time biggest looters for Khan, have been given clean chit; Azam Swati is said to be in contact with the PM office and hoping to resume his office; police in Punjab is under the control of landlords and provincial as well as national assembly lawmakers.
What Needs to be Done?
PTI’s focus on the corruption of Sharifs and Zardari and some other bigwigs is very important. It needs to continue its efforts to bring back all the looted money. But, at the same time, PTI needs to focus on its model of governance. For example, what is the PTI’s policy to reform universities in Pakistan? As a matter of fact, Vice Chancellors in every other Public sector university are appointed on the basis of their political affiliation.
Pakistan’s foreign policy has been revamped. A new Pakistan with a better outlook and attractive leadership is being welcomed by Chinese, Saudis, and Americans. This deserves appreciation.
PML-N and their friends in the concerned departments inducted some vice-chancellors who have a financially tainted background. What are the policy of PTI’s government to make these institutions corruption free and real places of learning and knowledge sharing?
Similarly, every other day we see cases being reported on social media where Punjab police either torture some innocents or declines to initiate a legal process against the aggressors. What is the policy of PTI’s government to reform Punjab Police as per its commitment? It deserves merit to mention here that Nasir Durrani, former IGP KPK, resigned from the chairmanship of a committee formed to reform the Punjab police over some differences with CM Usman Buzdar who was reportedly interfering into departmental affairs of police. What is PTI’s government up to now?
Read more: Concerns and implications of PTI’s 100 day Economic agenda: Dr. Sajid Amin…
Thirdly, what is the policy introduced by the PTI’s government to ensure quality health facility to all and sundry? How has the government intended to give better basic health care to people from far-flung areas? What is the policy? What is the mechanism?
PTI needs to focus on policies, not on slogans. It is the time to formally work on the broad policies it used to offer prior to coming into power. Words need to be translated into actions. This again demands seriousness and noble intention at the part of the leadership.
The honeymoon period is over, Mr. Prime Minister. Focus on the economy and the issues of money laundering. But do not ignore education, police, and health. A government is supposed to focus on every institution to ensure better services and accommodative governance model.
Read more: Imran Khan: the leader
Precisely, now we want to see policies and practical frameworks developed and proposed by the PTI government so that we can feel that the present government is serious and goal oriented.
Farah Adeed is a Senior Research Analyst in GVS. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Global Village Space’s Editorial Policy.