STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan
Punjabis have a unique way of expressing. It can be fairly annoying at times. I will share a personal anecdote. Somebody owes me a serious amount of money in Canada. He always portrayed himself as “younger brother” who loved me to bits, full Punjabi style. One day I sat him down and asked him when are you going to pay me back? His reply blew me away. Instead of responding to my question he said so and so also owes you so much! If it was not in Canada, I would have given him a thrashing.
This is a regular feature in Pakistani talk shows. An anchor assembles guests from different parties and the charade begins. No one gives a straight answer; an allegation is responded by a counter allegation. The theme is to deflect blame and pin it on another party. Doublespeak has become our way of life. It cannot go on forever, we have to face reality and deal with real issues.
The recent developments on the political scene remind us of “Thugs of India” who have a rich historical narration in the subcontinent. These gangs preyed on innocent travelers over centuries. Zardaris were one of them operating in Sind/Baluchistan. In the past four months this ‘thuggery” has been unfolding in slow motion through PDM. The winner or the villain, depending on your personal views, is our ex-President. He has emerged as the Grandmaster in a chess game that unfolded on the political scene in slow motion. Throughout Zardari’s journey in the corridors of power or outside, he has always landed on his feet.
Asif Ali Zardari catapulted onto the national scene when he was chosen by Begum Nusrat Bhutto searching for a spouse for Benazir from among the eligible lot, preferably Sindhi. The need of the hour for the Bhuttos was someone who can protect and defend them when faced with a brutal and revengeful dictator. Groomed by Hakim Ali Zardari in ways to muscle and manipulate, young Zardari fit the bill perfectly. A smart street fighter he seamlessly fit into the grove of playing second fiddle to wife Benazir yet staying significant.
Zardari is a man for all seasons. Since his entry onto the political scene over three decades ago he has carved out a niche for himself, whatever the odds. I recollect seeing him in the early seventies in Karachi as a flamboyant young man always fighting beyond his weight. He kept company with the younger lot of Baluchi Sardars, the Bugtis, Zehri’s and their ilk to stay relevant on the Karachi social scene. A true scion of Zardari tribe, he has all their genetic traits; ruthless, immaculate planner, fiercely clannish and always with an eye on gold.
He proved it again. Nawaz Sharif and his sidekick Maulana Fazal thought they could use PPP to demolish PM IK’s Government. They had a huge surprise waiting for them in the grand finale. PPP prevailed in getting Gilani elected as Senator through bribery to became relevant on the national scene. It opened up a whole new world to bargain as long as PML(N) and JUI keep the sword of resignations hanging over the system. It is a case of heads I win, tails you lose! Maulana is fuming and Maryam is sulking with a huge red face.
However, it is not the time for PTI to rejoice. A huge challenge has been dissipated as I stated in my last article; Zardari has expedited the process. It is an opportunity that PM IK must respond to. What should have been done four years ago should be done forthwith. I recollect having a wide-ranging discussion with him in late 2017. I had urged him to announce eleven key objectives and targets like we had done in 1997, beautifully articulated by my friend Hassan Nisar, with proper homework.
Unfortunately, that did not materialize. The high-flying experts that had congregated around PM IK did not deliver. PTI came to power lacking a clear action plan whose success could be measured. Two and a half years down the road providence has provided a 2nd opportunity. During this period PM IK has learned much and weathered many a storm. He is much better poised to grab the bull by the horns.
PM IK must come out boldly and announce milestones targeted for the balance term in a simple yet well-articulated manner, as he always does. He must revisit the proficiency of his team and delegate responsibilities while watching over it like a hawk. Removing deadwood and adding competent and committed team members must be a priority. He must ruthlessly wield the stick on any laggards. I suggest the plan should include bringing food inflation under control, introducing reforms in police, civil service and the legal system. In addition, revitalization of agricultural production, encourage investment leading to job opportunities and find a way for quicker dispensation of justice, especially in accountability courts. Overseas Pakistanis reservoir of goodwill must be tapped into.
His team should be aware of achievements thus far and not get tongue-tied when questioned about performance. A clear message must be put across to all stakeholders that PM IK means business and mafias will be decimated if they stand in the way. It is time to prove how good you are, and only a part of the team should dwell on how bad the previous governments were. Allah knows the future, but unless this clear path is adopted I dread to talk about the consequences of looters and plunderers getting back at the helm.
