A land clouded in uncertainty
The Statesman|June 20, 2023
In less than two months' time, Pakistan's National Assembly will complete its full term.
MALEEHA LODHI
A land clouded in uncertainty

The PDM relinquish power and be replaced by caretaker governments that have to be in place to hold general elections. But the road to elections is still clouded in uncertainty. With ministers adopting a purposively vague stance, speculation is rife about whether elections will be held on time.

Some of this has been fuelled by the yet-to-be-completed digital census, which news reports indicate might push the election date beyond October as this would entail delimitation of constituencies. There is also uncertainty about the fate of the economy which remains in the critical ward.

Any effort to play with the election date beyond what is constitutionally stipulated would be disastrous for the country. Fixing the economy can hardly be used as an excuse considering the PDM government's failure to address the ongoing economic crisis. Band-aid measures have only kicked the can down the road and done little to deal with the structural sources of the crisis.

Failure to revive the IMF bailout programme has underscored the extent of government mismanagement. The prospect of elections urged a reform-averse government to avoid taking necessary remedial measures to meaningfully address the perilous state of public finances.

The budget was a missed opportunity, with political considerations taking precedence over sound economics. The IMF criticised the lack of measures both on the revenue and expenditure side. This seemed to rule out chances of any deal.

Uncertainties are not limited to the economy. They extend to the electoral field and involve the question of who would or would not be allowed to run and whether opposition leader Imran Khan will be disqualified in one of the legal cases against him.

この記事は The Statesman の June 20, 2023 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は The Statesman の June 20, 2023 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

THE STATESMANのその他の記事すべて表示
'Respect, trust and care are non-negotiable in a marriage'
The Statesman

'Respect, trust and care are non-negotiable in a marriage'

People today are at a phase where relationships fail in front of the modern-day challenges. However, in contrast, there are Anup Kumar Roy Choudhury and Lata Roy Choudhury, who set an inspiring example of how relationships are kept alive. Married on 12 July 1976, the couple has spent 48 years together overcoming numerous problems and unexpected trials.

time-read
2 分  |
November 17, 2024
The Statesman

Shadows, light and symphonies: Kim Barbier illuminates Kolkata with Western classical elegance

As the crisp evening air gave a slight shiver, the daylight dwindled with flocks of birds flying back home, and the smell of fall engulfed the city.

time-read
3 分  |
November 17, 2024
Spring in Sandalwood forest
The Statesman

Spring in Sandalwood forest

reeparna thinks about Kolkata while seated in her chamber at the Bhagabatpur rural health centre. She believes her best days are being spent in this health centre.

time-read
4 分  |
November 17, 2024
Dev Deepawali: Binding India's spirituality & divinity
The Statesman

Dev Deepawali: Binding India's spirituality & divinity

Being presented as the \"Festival of Lights for the Gods\", Dev Deepawali is one of the most special events that Varanasi celebrates. It usually takes place fifteen days after Diwali on the full moon day.

time-read
2 分  |
November 17, 2024
The Statesman

A closer look at Justice Sanjiv Khanna's landmark rulings as he takes oath as 51st CJI

Justice Sanjiv Khanna assumed office as the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday, following Justice DY Chandrachud's tenure.

time-read
5 分  |
November 17, 2024
Have we 'woken' up?
The Statesman

Have we 'woken' up?

Pundits, politicians, and public commentators intensely debate the election results, I caution against hyperbole and overinterpretation of what was, in reality, a close race, though the margin of victory looks wider than it actually is, due to the special quirk of the electoral college system.

time-read
5 分  |
November 17, 2024
BGT: Team India jolted by Gill's thumb injury ahead of opening Test in Perth
The Statesman

BGT: Team India jolted by Gill's thumb injury ahead of opening Test in Perth

Star opener Shubman Gill picks up injury during practice, creates headache for coach Gautam Gambhir

time-read
1 min  |
November 17, 2024
Paine worried over Gambhir's temperament
The Statesman

Paine worried over Gambhir's temperament

Former Australia skipper Tim Paine hit out at Gautam Gambhir for his coaching style ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, and went on to state that he could not be a great fit into the Indian team as head coach.

time-read
1 min  |
November 17, 2024
The Statesman

Samson becomes first batter with 2 T20I tons in single calendar year

Sanju Samson delivered a breathtaking performance of batsmanship at the Wanderers Stadium here on Friday, smashing his third T20I century in the fourth match of the series against South Africa.

time-read
1 min  |
November 17, 2024
Paul Pogba and Juventus agree to terminate contract
The Statesman

Paul Pogba and Juventus agree to terminate contract

Paul Pogba and Juventus have mutually agreed to part ways as the French midfielder faces an 18-month ban from football.

time-read
1 min  |
November 17, 2024