Amid a faltering economy and losing out on the macroeconomic front, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif now wants to hold a ‘grand dialogue’ with all stakeholders on pressing economic issues. However, it seems rather unlikely that the main opposition party PTI will pay much heed amid the tense political atmosphere.
PM Shehbaz Sharif wants to develop a consensus over the national economy in such a manner that economic policies are not disturbed by change of government. We have witnessed how governments blame their predecessors for the economic situation while not doing enough to provide relief to the masses.
Other party leaders such as PML-N stalwart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has also hinted at ‘political dialogues’ aimed at steering the country out of the economic turmoil. He said the prime minister should invite all political parties to build a political consensus. While fiery interior minister Rana Sanaullah, who is bitterly opposed to Imran Khan, has ruled out any dialogue.
It needs to be seen when the demand for dialogue is an attempt to placate the ousted premier who has been on a campaign against the government hosting mammoth gatherings demanding the government to call early elections. Or whether the government wants other parties to shoulder the responsibility for the economic situation and suggest a way out of the crisis.
Pakistan certainly needs a grand national dialogue. There should be a detailed discussion among all stakeholders regardless of their party affiliations and inclinations on the situation we are in and how we can get out. Politicians should leave their differences aside and move to save the country from a complete meltdown. This won’t be easy with barbs flying and a lot of blame game but perhaps we will get some solutions.
The country is indeed facing unusual circumstances and tough economic decisions have been taken. We are desperately short of cash and need to once again secure loans and bailouts. Steering the country out of the quagmire of political powers and economic chaos requires unusual decisions. Political parties need to come up with a strategy for mutual benefit of all stakeholders and the national economy
