Tying Aid to Accountability: A Path towards a Brighter Future for Pakistan
By
Riaz Laghari
(An earnest plea from a common Pakistani: Please tie aid to accountability for a brighter future.)
For far too long, Pakistan's economy has been in disarray, and the country is plagued by poverty and inequality. Despite this, the country's wealthy people have remained unconcerned, above the law, and exempt from punishment for their deeds. Because resources are wasted and mishandled by those in positions of authority, this lack of accountability has had a substantial adverse impact on the economy. The most vulnerable people in society—those who suffer the most as a result of the economic crisis—feel the effects of this most keenly. It's time for a change since the poor masses have become trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and injustice due to a lack of accountability. We cannot expect to see change unless we hold the powerful accountable.
The already bad economic situation in Pakistan has gotten worse as a result of the recent floods in Sindh and Balochistan. Communities have been completely destroyed by the floodwaters, which have also severely damaged infrastructure, crops, and residences. The poor and marginalized groups, who have few resources to recover from such a catastrophic tragedy, have been particularly hard hit by this disaster. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has only aggravated the nation's economic problems, adding to the strain on the government and its citizens. The interaction of these elements emphasizes Pakistan's urgent need for assistance in order to help the nation overcome the several crises it is currently experiencing. Without assistance from the international community, Pakistan will find it difficult to address its economic and humanitarian issues and create a more secure future for its citizens.
The conditions imposed by the IMF and other monetary organizations have caused the common people of Pakistan to suffer for far too long. Even when the economy is struggling, the nation's wealthy people continue to enjoy an unaccountable status above the law. This is wrong because it continues the extravagant lifestyles of those enjoying top posts despite the struggles faced by common people.
It is time for wealthy nations, the IMF, and other institutions to support Pakistan during this difficult time. But it's also the right time to control and restrain these influential people's behavior and hold them responsible for their deeds. Without responsibility and accountability, nothing can ever really get better.
Foreign assistance accountability is not a novel idea, but it is an idea that is essential for fostering change. The IMF and other organizations may make sure that the money they give is being used for its intended purpose rather than being wasted by people in power by tying aid to accountability. In turn, this will result in a fair allocation of resources and a better future for Pakistan's citizens.
The IMF delegation's visit to Pakistan offers a rare chance for improvement. The international community must seize this opportunity and make accountability a top priority in its aid operations. This can be achieved by putting in place a number of procedures, such as routine audits and supervision systems, to guarantee that the assistance given is used properly and efficiently. Additionally, by putting in place effective anti-corruption measures and bolstering the rule of law, the IMF and other institutions can push the Pakistani government to take action to hold the powerful accountable.
It is crucial to remember that the IMF and other institutions have a duty to the Pakistani people. By giving aid, the IMF and other donors are expressing their belief in the nation's future as well as future financial stability. The IMF and other institutions may assist in promoting a better future for Pakistan's citizens and ending the cycle of poverty and inequality that has afflicted the nation for far too long by tying funding to accountability.
In conclusion, the IMF delegation's visit to Pakistan offers an opportunity to assit Pakistan in tis struglle for survival but this moment is a defining moment as nations can not thrive without transparency, fairness, equality, justice and accountability. Only then will we witness a fair allocation of resources and a more promising future for Pakistan's citizens. Creating a lasting route to economic recovery and growth is the goal here, not merely helping the country out in its hour of need. In addition to giving aid, the IMF and other institutions have a duty to see that it is utilised properly and efficiently, with accountability and transparency at the fore. The opportunity now exists for the international community to establish a standard for responsible and efficient aid, one that puts the needs of the people first and encourages a more just and equitable future for all. The only way to end Pakistan's cycle of poverty and injustice and ensure a better future for its citizens is to do this(Accountability first, accountability must!).
