Symbolism in politics, and economics
Political sands are shifting not just in the country, but the wider region, and beyond. And since this is not the first time Nawaz’s close circle has assumed reins of power, there can be little doubt that they must understand these changes profoundly. But going by their many unceremonious ousters, there is always that lingering doubt that they can take the beaten path again, perhaps out of reflex action if nothing else.
Body language matters in politics, as does symbolism. The first thing political analysts are taught is deciphering body language during and after important briefings and encounters. And Mian sb’s body language has been mostly positive, quite front-foot; except, of course, those few moments caught on tape during the first few days of the Musharraf government, when the ousted prime minister, teary eyed, stared into cameras from behind prison bars.
But bank only on symbols and gestures and your political credit evaporates rather quickly. Perhaps Mian sb never stayed in power long enough to recognise these subtleties. For, again, he is big on images and small on action. Take the high profile Karachi meeting the other day as an example. It was actually the highest profile meeting ever held in the former capital. Yet that is all it was. An opportunistic setting, complete with the ISI and army chief, and smart of his planners to send off an invite to former president Zardari as well. But beyond that there has been nothing, not even a whimper.
But even if his personal style causes confusion in the country, it has its share of adherents and admirers within the N league. And no better follower than the finance minister. Granted, Ishaq Dar has worked seriously hard this time around. And his efforts have seemed all the more sincere considering the economic and financial paralysis of the previous government, particularly towards the end. But, again, the boasts are widely divorced from reality. Propping up the rupee is artificial and actually hurts the balance of payments; and sooner rather than later the buffer will evaporate. Inflation continues to be high, particularly food inflation. The circular debt has bloated again, at a frantic pace. And the energy problem shows no sign of easing in the foreseeable future.
It would be far more prudent if the PM, and his team, concentrated more on actions and strategies that are possible to translate into intrinsic benefit for the country and the people.