Title: Pakistan's Dual Struggle: Elite Bargaining and Political Evolution
Introduction:
Pakistan, a country with enormous potential, is at a crossroads and wrestling with two opposing narratives that determine its course. On one front, the research of British economist Stefan Dercon reveals a long-standing competition for resources and power among its elite, which hinders the country's development. On the other hand, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's suggestions that a fresh political force is emerging reflect shifting political realities. This essay goes into these fundamental concepts and considers how they interact to influence Pakistan's future.
Elite Bargain for Control:
Dercon's evaluation highlights a stark fact among Pakistan's top class: their main goal is a never-ending struggle for domination rather than the country's economic development. Influential groups in industry, politics, the military, civil society, the civil service, academia, and journalism have agreed to this elite deal. They have an unspoken agreement to keep things as they are and hold onto their positions of authority.
Clientelism and Patronage State:
Dercon emphasises that the nation's economic policies are driven by the desire for power inside a patronage-based state. Those outside of this group frequently use unstable tactics to take the initiative. Furthermore, progress is hampered by an ongoing struggle for resource control between the political class and the military.
Historical Precedence:
The historical context of Pakistan supports Dercon's diagnosis. The history of Pakistani politics and the military is characterised by repeated power struggles that aim to seize control of the situation. The nation's economy has suffered as a result of these power battles, causing setbacks.
Opposition to Growth and Development:
Dercon contends that development and growth are in opposition to the elite groups' interests in Pakistan. This opposition takes the shape of a resistance to enact thorough economic reforms, maintaining the current political-economic balance.
Political Evolution:
Parallel to this, Abbasi's comments hint at a change in Pakistan's political climate. His proposal for a new political party highlights the rising unhappiness with the current situation. The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is used as an example of how the current political structures are under scrutiny for their failure to bring about significant change in the nine months following General Bajwa's retirement.
Assessment of Past Government's Performance:
Both the PTI government and the PDM-led dictatorship are subject to Abbasi's criticism, which emphasises their lack of advancement on critical topics. He draws attention to the lack of large investments in public projects, which suggests that the essential decisions were not made.
Challenges Posed by Judicial Decisions:
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB)'s reinstatement to its previous form is of particular concern to Abbasi as it could present challenges for future governments in carrying out their governance responsibilities.
Conclusion:
The struggle for elite dominance and the emergence of new political forces are converging in Pakistan at this critical juncture. The report by Dercon serves as a harsh reminder that the status quo impedes the country's development and prosperity. In addition, Abbasi's political allusions reflect a rising need for new solutions.
Pakistan must negotiate this complex environment in order to realise its full potential, moving from an elite power trade to a common goal of progress and prosperity. The path to a better future—one in which Pakistan's enormous potential may ultimately be realised for the benefit of all its citizens—may involve embracing new political dynamics while resolving the problems highlighted by Dercon's evaluation.
