The political crisis in Pakistan is continuing unabated and there is no respite in sight. Political speculations have worsened ever since the Memogate scandal, Zardari’s departure and relations with the US are deteriorating. The internal threats from extremist groups never seem to end and continue to destabilise Pakistan resulting in loss of lives. Never before Pakistan has become so debt-ridden and so dependent on foreign aid.
Our external debt has crossed the $60 billion mark, the servicing of which comes to $3.5 billion annually. All economic indicators are on the negative side and our expenses outweigh our earnings. Our sovereignty is constantly violated by the drone attacks or Nato strikes.
On the political front our country is ruled by parties all of which have a dubious past and do not have the credibility left to rule the nation further. PML(N) and PTI’s demand for midterm elections has been ignored by the PPP who want to cling to their power till their term expires. PTI is the new force that has emerged but the new inductees into the party are the same old faces which don’t have clear pasts.
Another party – APML – could be a solution to this crisis. Although the party is new and has many opponents, the fact remains that it is headed by the most level-headed man that Pakistan has seen for years. The Musharraf era was fraught with difficulties, starting from the war against terrorism unleashed by America. Since then Pakistan has been put right into the hotbed of war against terror.
Admittedly he’s not a fresh face that some argue Pakistan requires but he is the most experienced person for the job in the current circumstances.
MASOOMA IMRAN
Karachi