PML-N is not in a comfortable position
The PILDAT’s assessment of the PML-N government’s one year performance between June 4, 2013, to June 5, 2014, is bound to draw opposite reactions. While the government expects accolades for the ‘positive factors’, its critics are likely berate it for the ‘negative factors’. It is likely to be pointed out that out of 25 indicators, the PML-N government scored above 60 per cent on only three – disaster-preparedness (62 per cent), merit-based recruitment and promotions (61 per cent) and foreign policy management (60 per cent). From a purely political angle, poverty alleviation with the lowest score of 27 per cent and unemployment rate which is just below six per cent would count more with the voters if the elections were held today than all the positive achievements on the scorecard.
One problem with the scorecard is that it depends more on what has been promised or planned rather than what has in fact been performed or implemented. Listed among positive governance indicators, for instance, is national security policy. NACTA which is the centrepiece of the policy still remains dysfunctional. In fact as late as December 27, 2014, Nawaz Sharif directed the Interior Minister to make NACTA functional “with immediate effect”. Among the factors that stand in the way of NACTA’s activation are funds. Speaking in the Senate early this month Ch Nisar informed the House that a summary had finally been moved for allocation of funds for NACTA. But it is premature to count chickens before they are hatched.
The PML-N government scores low on transparency. The latest dispute caused by the tendency is on the direction of the China-Pak Economic Corridor route between Gilgit and Gwadar. While the issue is leading to a confrontation between the opposition and the government, it could also dampen China’s enthusiasm. While the government is keen for investment in industrial projects, it needs to be reminded that by missing the eight Millennium Development Goal targets it is putting the future of Pakistani society in jeopardy. The government still has three years of tenure during which it needs to improve its scorecard.
