The Boot Again

Like the caretaker government of Moeen Qureshi in 1993, that of Meraj Khalid now has the opportunity to restore order. There is talk of a technocrat such as Shahid Javed Burki, a long-time World Bank official like Qureshi, being brought in as finance minister. Such a government can make use of crisis, as did Manmohan Singh, to lay the foundations for a better future. The rupee was devalued recently by Bhutto and various other measures taken but more drastic steps will undoubtedly be needed to right the balance of payments and the fiscal deficit.

Would such changes actually produce long-term benefits? On past evidence, the prospects do not look bright. Bhutto squandered the chance provided by Qureshis reforms. Nawaz Sharif, the previous elected prime minister who was also dismissed in 1993, did attempt economic liberalisation including a privatisation programme. But his government too was overwhelmed by allegations of corruption and constant battling with President Ghulam Ishaq Khan. On the face of it, it is now Sharif who appears most likely to return to office next February. Qureshi said in 1993 that there had been a steep deterioration in the social order. He sought to address what he saw as a long-term deepening malaise in society. But three years later, there is little sign that his words were heeded. It is in the interest not only of Pakistanis, but also of Pakistans neighbours, that good governance seeks to overcome the forces of feudalism and corruption which still have a strong hold on the country. If it does not, Pakistans fundamental stability will always be open to question.