Mazhar Iqbal
The stability of a nation’s political environment is integral to ensuring overall stability, encompassing economic, social, and cultural facets. A stable political climate fosters an atmosphere of security and certainty, crucial for businesses to prosper and for investors to have faith in the economy. Moreover, political stability enables governments to focus on long-term policies and reforms, which are vital for sustainable economic growth and development.
Social stability is closely intertwined with political stability. A stable political system cultivates unity and trust among the populace, leading to social cohesion and overall harmony. This paves the way for social progress, including advancements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Cultural stability is also reliant on political stability. A secure political environment provides the framework for the preservation and advancement of cultural heritage and traditions. It encourages the flourishing of cultural institutions and facilitates cultural exchange, enriching society as a whole.
In essence, political stability serves as the cornerstone upon which economic, social, and cultural stability are built. A stable political system is essential for progress and prosperity across all aspects of society.
The recently introduced budget casts a shadow of distress across the country. Its immediate effects are discomforting, but its long-term repercussions are cause for even greater concern. People who are barely managing to sustain a modest and respectable livelihood will be pushed to the brink of poverty, with some succumbing to it.
The state is in dire need of funds, a staggering sum of approximately five and a half trillion. This marks a 45 percent increase in total revenue within just a single year. Such an immense demand, even when imposed rigorously, seems beyond the capacity of the state.
The burden of meeting these financial requirements will inevitably fall on the tax system, placing additional strain on those already within the tax bracket. Small enterprises are likely to face intensified pressure, while the corporate sector seems to have received preferential treatment. Salaried individuals, subject to deductions at the source, will be left in a vulnerable position, and others will bear the weight of unrealistic expectations.
It remains to be seen whether the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is content with the budgetary measures or is merely feigning satisfaction. What is unmistakable, however, is the unprecedented move by the present government, which seems to deflect complete responsibility for the budget onto the IMF. By publicly attributing the entire burden to the IMF, including the Prime Minister himself, the government has seemingly abandoned any semblance of sovereignty, a truly concerning development.
Undoubtedly, the nation’s economy requires mending, particularly in relation to the role of the state within it. For decades, the state has consistently incurred greater expenditure than it has earned, resulting in an overwhelming debt burden. Yet, the remedies for this prevailing ailment, as well as other economic issues, extend beyond the capabilities of a single political party, government, or institution. It necessitates a comprehensive national approach.
This collective approach is unattainable without stability, a reality understood by both domestic and international stakeholders. Notably, China has emphasized this necessity, and the military’s newly established initiative, Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, expressly underscores this need for stability. Although the terminology may imply a military operation, closer analysis reveals that this initiative seeks to mobilize all facets of national power to foster stability.
Genuine stability penetrates deeply into both the state and society, requiring collective commitment towards addressing triumphs and tribulations alike. It is this unity that propels a nation to confront challenges directly, even amid hardship. Recent instances, such as the unwavering determination of the Vietnamese against a formidable superpower, serve as demonstrations of this resolute unity.
Conversely, disengagement corrodes even the most formidable states. Numerous historical cases, including the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the partitioning of Yugoslavia, highlight the consequences of lacking collective ownership and a shared mission. Such states disintegrated swiftly, devoid of people’s investment in a common purpose.
Acknowledging history, it is evident that communal purpose is essential for fostering stability. Modern democracies serve to achieve this, as their parliamentary framework inherently cultivates cooperation towards shared national objectives. When democracy is compromised, it undermines this unified purpose, as the populace rejects the legitimacy of the governing structures. In the absence of common objectives and legitimacy, economic challenges, such as escalating taxes, become catalysts for discord and defiance.
Amid this backdrop, dialogue emerges as the sole recourse. Thought leaders advocate for a comprehensive national dialogue as the only avenue for confronting the nation’s challenges. Regrettably, such dialogue appears distant due to an entrenched conundrum surrounding the legitimacy of the February 8 election and the resulting political configuration.
Prime Minister Shehbaz recognizes this predicament and extends invitations for dialogue, cognizant that the opposition’s acceptance would tacitly affirm the fraudulent political order. The PPP, despite its public disavowal, appears content with the election’s outcomes, content with its position in the political landscape.
Within this complex realm, the prospect of a national dialogue appears bleak. A common approach to economic issues, good governance, and the call for public sacrifices seems unachievable. Unfortunately, the nation’s current circumstances hinder the implementation of the necessary corrective actions.
Despite the formidable challenges, the responsibility to break this impasse remains vested in the establishment, potentially leading the way for an unconditional national dialogue. To foster an environment conducive to such dialogue, releasing all political detainees, including Imran Khan, would be a significant initial step. Simultaneously, the PTI should demonstrate willingness to engage with all stakeholders to pave the way for constructive discussions.
