Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
by Faiqa Salman
Hopes and Aspirations for a change were high and were reasonable although change is not what was delivered in the elections. A new reality named PTI emerged as a big force which is a positive sign. The new government does offer stability for a while if nothing else. There are big things to celebrate even if you have not voted for the winning party.
Bhutto is not ‘Zinda’ Anymore (Finally dead)
Bilawal might not be able to cash Bhutto’s name anymore. The party that dazzled the masses with its empty slogans and incompetent team for years finally seems to be done with. PPP farce seems to be exposed and the credit goes to the establishment and the forces that let it operate for the previous five years. It seems Sindh needs more time to learn. Anti-Bhutto may be celebrating now ‘once and for all’, after a very long time, in their reckoning, but if it’s really the game of the establishment, you never know, if we would be looking at another round of Bhutto’s in the next term.
Will Liberalism re-Live In PTI
Bhutto may be dead but the question raised in many minds is that will liberalism reincarnate itself in PTI which could become the new PPP then, although Islamists and conservatives were also a big force behind PTI success. This liberal – conservative divide would work as a big challenge in PTI perception, in the years to come. Unlike theQuaideAzam, Khan doesn not have the political stature yet as to allow speculations to roam freely, therefore he must come clear on this or else his leadership could become a controversy. For many, PTI so far is not an ideology, Sorry Mr. Khan.
A Principled Opposition Could Emerge
As PTI struggles with defining its ideology within itself, still it poses to be strong enough to prove as a principled opposition in the National assembly, something Pakistan can celebrate on. The question remains however, will Imran Khan resort to his Anti-Nawaz rhetoric or come out of it and work on real issues of Pakistan. Acting as an opposition will not be easy as it seems, as he faces an experienced and seasoned bunch of politicians in power, unlike the one in the last regime.
America Not Voted In Pak
Pro-American forces faced big defeat in the hands of anti-American sentiments in these elections, as the public showed overwhelming rejection of the status-quo. Yet power remains in the hands of a status quo party, therefore US foreign policy would now rely on PMLN hypocrisy. Drone policy and giving US a respectable exit from Afghanistan would be a big test for PMLN in the coming years. The Nawaz government may have the diplomatic capability to maintain ties with the Americans and Afghanistan both at the same time, as the US leaves. It seems that to the disappointment of the liberals of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Nawaz Government would facilitate the Afghan choice, be it the Afghan Taliban.
Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan undera New Pakistan
It is being thought that the security situation would improve as the new ruling parties favor negotiations rather than using force against the Taliban who are already becoming irrelevant as US is coming closer to leaves Afghanistan. Nawaz Government may be fortunate to have US leaving soon and this would not want to confront Taliban on either sides of the Afghan-Pak Border. The question is how will PMLnkeep Washington pleased and the Taliban contained at the same time?
Amman Ki AshaYaTamasha Continues….. (Foreign policy on India and Kashmir)
You might see sensational Katrina Kaif performing in Lahore soon. India Pakistan relations on the cultural and trade fronts would flourish to unprecedented limits; while, the ‘Kashmiri’ would compromise on Kashmir, putting it in the background. Although one might not agree on this as a policy shift but the difference is that as the geo-political situation in South Asia did not go in favor of India so there would be no option for Indians to have better relations with Pakistan when US leaves, but we all know who bears the brunt when India is acting friendly! So get ready to be hurt if you are a Kashmiri activist.
Bad News for Generator Business
One of the main reasons of the failure of PPP government is the Energy Crisis and the Nawaz government will want to take the credit if it wants to come back for the next elections. If relations with Iran would improve and as a result the Gas Pipeline Project would be completed, that might be the end of the generator era in Pakistan.If PMLN government would avoid controversial projects such as Kala Bagh Dam,cheap energy may remain a dream. It is also being speculated that the capitalistic government would want to privatize the energy sector.
Economic Growth
Asthe energy crisis is solved, if it is, Pakistan will witness economic boost as this may be one of the priorities of Nawaz Government. More jobs, better infrastructure and more trade will happen. Industrialization would speed up. Bureaucracy would be kept under control with carrots and sticks. Tax reforms would benefit the industry and the industrialist, but not the labor and the consumer.
Change Still Miles Away
All of this growth and development will befollowing the capitalistic and free market agenda where few own the resources and control the market and the rest work for them. The difference would be if the new Masters would manage to keep their Slaves well. The class system would prevail in all its forms. The rich would get richer and the poor could join in the middle-class but will not be allowed to cross the next level. Education and health will not be the priority. Separate schools, hospitals, market places and recreations for separate classes will prevail. Thana culture, corruption and injustice will live on. And don’t forget! resistance will not be tolerated. Welcome to a new era; (If it continues…..)
Twitter @FaiqaSalman
Twitter @FaiqaSalman