Who runs Pakistan?
is a piece by Aasim Sajjad Akhtar published in 'Dawn' September 1, 2023.
In 1947. Pakistan took the first plunge and declared Aug 14 as the Independence Day. India came one day later. Many Pakistanis must have drawn a big consolation by that less than 24 hours 'difference' as well.
"Ours is one of the most opaquely governed countries in the world," runs the article.
It further notes, "It can be argued that more ordinary Pakistanis than ever are now clear that the military establishment is the ultimate arbiter of power in Pakistan".
The writing is on the wall.
"The way in which the PDM regime was propped up, Imran Khan and PTI cut to size, the continuing impunity over enforced disappearances.....and the mockery made of the Constitution during and after the formation of the caretaker government illuminates who pulls the strings," -- the melancholy statement reflects everything a nation in the neighbourhood should be.
In June 2023, there was another report in Daily O.in. It said,
"Pakistan's economic model relies heavily on foreign loans, making the government dependent on external assistance and leading to the risk of bankruptcy. Between February 2023 and June 2026, Pakistan faces the challenge of repaying nearly $80 million in debt, with approximately 30% of the foreign debt owed to China, a consistent supporter of Pakistan. Recent reports indicate that Pakistan has obtained a $1 billion loan from China. However, the sustainability of such aid remains uncertain.
Perhaps things have deteriorated further.
The caretaker Finance minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar has said that the ‘interim’ government wasn’t empowered to provide meaningful relief to the working masses ravaged by exorbitant electricity bills.
The 'Dawn' article's interpretation is -- "..... she inadvertently acknowledged some truths about who runs Pakistan".
Akhar, who teaches in a reputed university also says, "The establishment’s historical patronage of the religious right is old news; various factions now have independent, organic roots. The Taliban are wreaking havoc in the tribal districts and other parts of KP, while there are any number of sectarian-militant organisations that operate in Gilgit-Baltistan."
The TLP is back in favour with the deep state; Jaranwala appears to be only the tip of a very large iceberg.
"Is there any hope for the mass of working people beyond ideologies of hate?," the columnist laments.
Another piece in 'Dawn' by one author Bina Shah says, "Right now, too many in our country (Pakistan) think like preachers, prosecutors and politicians, and not enough of us think like scientists."
And then she adds, "Learning how to unlearn, and to rethink, may be the path to liberation for us both as individuals and as a nation. In a country that is becoming increasingly polarised, let’s not be too scared to climb down from Mount Stupid".
ends
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