The formation of a new coalition government does not guarantee an end to political turbulence in the country; rather, it introduces a set of challenges that Pakistan must grapple with. Every nation requires a government, ideally one that enjoys legal and popular support. However, the desire for an effective government is often overshadowed by the reluctance to embrace active governance. It is an undeniable fact that the power structure in Pakistan lacks transparency, raising questions about the role of the establishment and the self-serving elite. Nevertheless, the nation faces challenges beyond these issues. The political arena in Pakistan is entangled with personal and victimhood narratives, overshadowing the economic and security threats looming in the background. The political discourse, fueled by numerous TV channels, continues to be inundated with “revelations,” accusations, counter-accusations, and the relentless flow of suspicious information on the social media. While the political game may seem entertaining at times, it often diverts attention from real challenges that needed to be addressed. Instead of facing these challenges, a mythical world is created where enemies vanish, heroes emerge, and legendary heroes turn the tide.
Not long ago, Pakistanis were sharing videos speculating that the Gwadar Port construction would be a game-changer, surpassing the global transit facilities of Hong Kong and Dubai. However, the reality is different, with only three berths operational at Gwadar compared to 24 at Hong Kong and 67 at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai. While the geopolitical significance of Gwadar is acknowledged, exaggeration and misinformation on social media only add to the complexity of the issues. The political players and their audience, often turning a blind eye to the limited capacity of a port where only three ships can dock simultaneously, neglect the advantages of harbors with more facilities. The hope that “billions of dollars stashed away by corrupt Pakistanis abroad” will be repatriated, solving the country’s economic problems, is another narrative that, although widespread, lacks substance. The political game in Pakistan oscillates between emotional manipulation and the construction of castles in the air. In reality, this game offers no room for truth.
The responsibility of the new government to service external loans and manage the rising debt burden is a critical challenge. With a debt volume of $126.3 billion, Pakistan is obliged to make payments of approximately $77.5 billion in external debt between now and 2026. Negotiating with creditors, acquiring new loans, and dealing with the long-term burden of debts require serious and pragmatic negotiations. Beyond the economic challenges, there is a need to control inflation, manage public expenditures, and address the budget deficit. However, discussions on these crucial issues often take a back seat to sensational political talk shows and WhatsApp group conspiracy theories. Reducing government expenditures can be achieved by minimizing wastage, particularly in the form of subsidies to state institutions. According to a World Bank report, businesses run by state entities in Pakistan yield the least interest in South Asia. The mismanagement of these entities results in an annual loss of around Rs500 billion to the national exchequer.
While expanding trade with neighboring countries, including India, could benefit Pakistan, political maneuvering has impeded the normalization of relations. Policymakers engaging with these nations must be cautious about being accused of compromising national dignity, or worse, being labeled foreign agents. The recent election results reflect public dissatisfaction with the status quo and the military establishment. However, they are also a consequence of years of political gamesmanship without serious discussions on fundamental issues. The nation needs a platform for genuine dialogue on its core challenges, free from propaganda and personal attacks.
