Nawaz faces the biggest challenge of his political life
The butchering of 135 schoolchildren in Peshawar by heartless terrorists has left Pakistani nation with no choice but to wage a united and strong fight against the terrorists. It is time for us to take this fight to the nurturing dens of terrorist monsters, their facilitators, their financers, their apologists, their infrastructure, the brains behind their evil designs and their handlers simultaneously.
However, it is a big ask for a nation divided on sectarian lines whose economy is bleeding, governance is in tatters and leadership is corrupt to the core. Weak governance is among the factors conducive to the spread of terrorism. So how we would meet the massive challenge?
It is a million dollar question which needs soul searching, collective wisdom and rising above petty personal interests. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has taken a giant leap toward this objective by calling off the four-month-long sit in against the poll rigging allegations. Others need to follow the suite.
The buck stops with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who faces the biggest challenge of his political life. He must now prove himself capable of not only winning this war but also defeating the terrorist mindset, which poses a great challenge to the future of this nation.
Experts across the globe agree that weak or bad governance is among the factors conducive to the spread of terrorism. The problems of governance, including corruption and money-laundering, deprive the state of the capacity to effectively ensure sustainable economic, social and environmental development and undermine social cohesion, stability and security.
Under President Xi, China has launched a massive crackdown against corrupt elements in government. In order to promote good governance, Pakistan needs to follow the model set forth by President Xi Jinping
There is a dire need to adopt a zero tolerance policy against terrorism, corruption and money-laundering. There is also a need for dealing with the financing of terrorism and related offences with an iron fist by making them policy priorities backed by appropriate legal instruments, adequate financial, human and institutional resources and, where necessary, appropriate tools for their practical and effective implementation.
Nawaz Sharif is lucky in a way that he has full support from two major international powers – United States of America and China. Another fact supporting him is that all neighbouring countries of Pakistan have strong and popular leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian premier Narendra Modi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. It would be interesting to watch how much support premier Sharif can muster from these neighbouring leaders in the fight against terrorism.
Learning counter terrorism from China
Though Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is banking on investments and loans from the Chinese government, there is a massive need for Pakistan to urge China to invest in technical and human resources in Pakistan. Under President Xi, China has launched a massive crackdown against corrupt elements in government. In order to promote good governance, Pakistan needs to follow the model set forth by President Xi Jinping. Besides good governance, bringing in transparency in financial matters is imperative to eradicate corruption.
The core fundamental of the Chinese president’s counter-terrorism policy is to adopting zero tolerance against the menace of terrorism. A Chinese proverb says that development and political and economic stability go hand in hand. The Chinese government believes that good governance at all levels is fundamental to economic growth, political stability, and security. Good public and corporate governance, rule of law and strong institutions are essential foundations of a sound economy, which can enable Pakistan to reduce poverty and inequality, to increase social integration and opportunities for all, to attract investment and to protect the environment.
Since Pakistan is importing everything from China, it would be good advice for the government to also learn good governance and development tools from our Chinese neighbours. More could be learnt from India as our neighbouring state has developed a lot during the past decade. India has also implemented a strong anti-terrorism strategy and the government’s writ has been restored in its troubled areas.
Since Pakistan is importing everything from China, it would be good advice for the government to also learn good governance and development tools from our Chinese neighbours
Even the Sri Lankan government has won its battle against the LTTE. Pakistan had also extended great help to Sri Lanka in this regard.
Financial transparency in public affairs is an essential condition and accountability of public and private financial, defence and civilian institutions is essential. This would support the active participation of civil society and the private sector in economic and development processes.
Financial transparency, law and order
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has a tainted past as far as corruption is concerned. During his two tenures in office, he has been blamed as a corrupt politician. Since his third term began, the premier has lured the Chinese government to invest billions of dollars in Pakistan.
Financial transparency increases the stability and performance of institutions and economies, which are functioning on the basis of adequate legislation and with full respect for the rule of law.
A public sector based on transparency and rule of law is necessary for sustainable economic growth. A clean and transparent public sector constitutes an important element for fostering citizens’ trust in public institutions and government. The development of and adherence to codes of conduct for public institutions is critical for reinforcing good governance, public-sector integrity and the rule of law.
Good governance requires a framework of economic policies, legislation and institutions in which businesses and investments can grow. Therefore, clear legal frameworks conducive to the development of business, including small and medium-sized enterprises, are critical to economic growth, and to the promotion of investment.
