Arab News
MUHAMMAD WAQAS
On the eve of New Year, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had signaled a clear intent to make a decisive push against terrorism for a more secure and brighter future of the country.
He had also pledged to successfully complete uplift projects across the country for economic development. In 2016, the government is likely to build on these achievements and continue to strive for peace and security, economic stability and improved governance on the domestic front. The fight against terrorism will remain among top priorities of the Sharif government in 2016 as well. Undoubtedly, Pakistan has made impressive gains over the past one year in Operation Zarb-i-Azb against militancy and extremism. However, it must continue to capitalize on these gains and show a resolve to root out terrorism from the country. In 2016, all eyes will be on the government to implement the broad-based National Action Plan (NAP). As the military offensive enters a final phase, the onus now lies on civil institutions in doing their bit to rid the country of extremism. It is expected that the government will learn some lessons from the year gone by and engage all stakeholders for swift execution of the NAP. If political parties fail to live up to these expectations, the patience of country’s powerful military could be tested and sour relations between the two sides. The year 2016 also brings new economic opportunities and worries for the Sharif government. The western route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the country’s biggest window of opportunity, is expected to be completed by end of the year. This project will connect the backward areas of Balochistan with rest of the country to potentially transform its fortune. Further, several energy projects will also be launched under the CPEC project to help Pakistan grapple with its persistent energy crisis.
This investment could restore the faith of global investors in the country, but the Sharif government will face a stern task of reducing a sense of anxiety and deprivation among people of these largely neglected areas. Besides the CPEC, there is little to celebrate in Pakistan’s economic outlook as the country will likely face pressure from sluggish exports, lower tax revenues, burgeoning current account deficit and foreign debt. The Sharif government should focus on setting straight its economic priorities and show a clear intent on making structural changes for sustainable economic growth.
The topic of improved governance, especially after reintroduction of the local government system, will come under close scrutiny this year. A lot of hype and political drama had surrounded the local government elections, but at last the devolution of power was completed and hailed as a step in the right direction. Although the provincial governments have been criticized for clipping wings of these elected representatives, these decentralized bodies should strive to make an impact in any possible capacity at the grassroots level. The local government structure could prove to be of immense value in implementing the planned health and education sector reforms, with an emphasis on transparency and merit. Going forward, it is hoped that Pakistan will make the necessary adjustments in its electoral system and commit to make local governments an integral part of the country’s political landscape.
