STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan
Some people are known to sleep with their eyes wide open. It’s a bewildering sight that takes you aback. But when you discover that your entire ruling Junta suffers from that condition, it definitely is scary. It is happening on all fronts; however I would like to focus on the sharp decline in remittances by Overseas Pakistanis. Here are some hard facts; during the financial year 21-22, when PTI was in power, remittances stood at 31 billion US Dollars. They were well on the way to achieve the targeted 33 billion.
An economically vibrant Pakistan was not acceptable to our masters. They entered into an unholy alliance with a wickedly ambitious Army Chief and a corrupt coterie of politicians to bring down Imran Khan who was leading this resurgence. This was the beginning of 16 months of economic and political mayhem. By end of financial year 22-23 remittances dropped by 5 billion to 26 billion. In this financial year, based on State Bank figures, they are on course to drop to 21 billion; a total drop of 10 billion US dollars.
Add to that the reported decline in textile exports of nearly 5 billion; we have a revenue loss of nearly 15 billion US dollars. Pakistan’s economy survives on these crucial inflows. The present rulers have put in zero efforts to stem this hemorrhaging debacle. Now compare this to the hoops that Ishaq Dar, Shabaz Sharif and their enablers went through to get a 3 billion standby facility split into three payments of one billion. They made commitments that have broken the back of the poor through unbearable inflation. Do we call this undiluted stupidity or drunken stupor that put them to sleep on the wheel?
While hardcore reliable revenue sources are being lost, the ruling junta is selling pipe dreams of future prosperity. It is based on unsubstantiated claims of incoming largesse of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and others. Have they never heard of “a bird in hand is better than two in the bush?” What is their premise for these “pie in the sky” dreams? For starters they are banking on Nawaz Sharif, the biggest looter of our national exchequer, to bring in 6 billion ininvestment! What an irony; relying on a thief, convict, absconder and his team of accomplished liars. The Sharifs only believe in one way traffic – laundering money out of Pakistan.
Ground is being set to welcome Nawaz Sharif as returning conqueror. It started with High Commissioner Pakistan giving protocol and political advice to a convict at Heathrow Airport. Bureaucrats don’t show up without orders. Attempts to rile up support amongst the public were an unqualified disaster. After two events, Maryam and her handlers got the message and cancelled five other planned Jalsas. Lahoris have out–rightly rejected PML(N). This was fortified when Shahbaz Sharif was chased out of his constituency. Shahbaz created a narrative that his voters wanted to register their complaints. He invited them to Model Town for discussions. Great, but his over-zealous handlers have registered FIR against 94 constituents for harassment. He can kiss goodbye to votes from these nearly 100 families.
It is the height of hypocrisy that confounds us all. On one side the most popular leader overwhelmingly supported by 3/4th of the electorate is confined to a tiny cell in disgusting conditions. He is being denied every facility. On the other hand one of most hated politician, convict Nawaz’s path is being paved to make him PM for the 4thtime. A car runs on four wheels. Three seem perfectly aligned, the army, judiciary and crooked politicians. The fourth wheel, the hapless voters’ right to express, is missing.
ECP is riding three man eating tigers which will consume him if he falls. Two violations of Article 6 have happened for not holding elections in Punjab and KP. The third is in the making for not scheduling elections nationally within 90 days. Establishment, Interims and PML(N) are in cahoots. PML(N) events are being facilitated while PTI supporters are beaten mercilessly for even unfurling a flag.
A very interesting alliance is evident between the Pope and the King. I claim no abilities to predict, however I observe deeply and believe in logic that enables me to deduce. Here are two smart individuals, Nawaz and the Chief, experienced in their own ways with infinite ability to nurse grudges. They are planning to live together. One will outmaneuver the other to control power and the other will be extremely bitter. We have to wait and see who ends up being a better deceiver.
Add to that mix the new Chief Justice. He is assertive and has historically helped Nawaz, yet he would like to build his own legacy too. His background makes him feel entitled. He will be dealing with a Chief who is out to prove his invincibility. I foresee lots of sparks when this fusion happens.
What is even more interesting is how the Establishment will bring Nawaz into power. The only way is to hold the most farcical elections ever, where stuffed ballot boxes will be brought to polling stations. The Junta has been getting away with breaking every rule in the book so why stop now? How long this regime lasts will depend on the resistance of the public. IK standing firm shall lift the morale. The clock is ticking on the economic time bomb. All these manipulations will come to a naught when the economy comes crashing down.
