Challenges ahead of care taker government in Pakistan.

The role of a caretaker government in Pakistan is pivotal, especially during the transition period leading up to general elections. The recent statements and policy initiatives by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar highlight the significant challenges faced by such a government and the steps taken to address them. From economic stability to foreign relations and ensuring free and fair elections, the caretaker government must navigate complex issues to ensure a smooth democratic transition.

Economic Stability and Reforms

Pakistan’s economic stability is a crucial concern for any government. Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar’s emphasis on rationalizing expenditures, generating revenue, and developing human resources underscores the need for short-term economic reforms. The government’s focus on bringing the undocumented economy into the tax net is a significant step toward boosting revenue and achieving fiscal discipline. The Prime Minister’s commitment to enhancing foreign investment through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) displays a proactive approach to economic growth and job creation.

However, the current inflation, price hike and exaggerated bills of Electricity has created unrest among the masses. The widened gape between poor and rich has increased hugely. The poor and middle class has been suffering, while only filthy rich class is relaxed and comfort. The recent reaction to electricity bill has forced the care taker prime minister to take appropriate emergency measures. It is not a political issue, not party politics, but a genuine concern, as some people receive a bill amounting more than their income or affordability. If in time measures are not placed, a scary scenario is visible in the country. Despite the IMF conditions imposed on Pakistan, he is supposed to address the concern of masses immediately.

Undocumented Economy and Tax Reforms

One of the pressing challenges is addressing the undocumented economy, which undermines revenue generation and economic stability. By bringing informal economic activities into the formal sector, the caretaker government aims to broaden the tax base and increase transparency. This will require effective implementation and collaboration with businesses, professionals, and the public to ensure compliance. Such measures can contribute to economic growth and resource allocation.

Foreign Relations and International Engagement

Maintaining positive and constructive relations with international partners is another challenge. PM Kakar’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s partnership with the United States reflects a balanced approach to foreign policy. Our traditional friendly nations should be kept on board and sought as much as possible assistance in overcoming the challenges. While addressing climate change and global peace cooperation, the government must ensure that national interests are upheld. It is crucial to foster diplomatic ties while safeguarding sovereignty and national priorities.

Ensuring Free and Fair Elections

The primary responsibility of a caretaker government is to facilitate free and fair elections. PM Kakar’s commitment to providing equal opportunities and impartiality to all political parties underscores the importance of this role. However, political stability and security must also be ensured during the electoral process. The government should collaborate closely with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to guarantee a smooth transition of power. With the passage of each day, domestic and international pressure for holding elections on time may increase.

Proposed Way Forward

To navigate these challenges effectively, the caretaker government should adhere to a well-defined roadmap:

• Economic Reforms: Continue efforts to enhance tax collection, encourage foreign investment, and support key sectors like IT. Address structural issues contributing to the fiscal imbalance and promote sustainable economic growth. The center of all efforts should be masses not only the ruling elite or upper class. Masses must be served in all initiatives and meet their satisfaction.
• Transparency and Governance: Ensure transparency in economic policies, budget allocation, and resource management. Strengthen institutions to prevent corruption and promote good governance. Merit must be prevailed and justice must be delivered at all levels. Public grievances must be addressed on priority.
• Foreign Relations: Maintain a balanced approach to foreign policy, emphasizing cooperation while safeguarding national interests. Collaborate on global issues like climate change while ensuring domestic priorities remain central. Without offending any block or country, keep friendly relations with all nations. Do not build relation with any block or country at the cost of national interest or other nations or country.
• Electoral Process: Collaborate closely with the ECP to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process. Facilitate political parties’ campaigns while upholding law and order. Timely, fair and free elections are desired, where a political environment be made enabling and conducive.
• Public Engagement: Foster public awareness and engagement in economic reforms, tax compliance, and the electoral process. Encourage dialogue between citizens and government for informed decision-making. Wider participation of general public and consultations in policy matters is desired. Masses will own any policy or initiative, if masses are participated in consultations.
• Government has already taken some initiatives to rationalize Electricity bills, hope, it might provide relief to some extent. But, it require to take more steps to control inflation, price hike, interest rates and introduce policies to create wealth, instead of borrowing more, focus should be on generation of wealth indigenously.

The caretaker government faces multifaceted challenges, ranging from economic stability to foreign relations and ensuring free and fair elections. PM Kakar’s policy initiatives demonstrate a proactive approach to tackling these challenges. Although it is bound to certain conditions of IMF, including Pakistani currencies devaluation based on market forces and denial of subsidies in any form, yet, by implementing transparent reforms, engaging with international partners, and ensuring electoral integrity, the government can pave the way for a smooth democratic transition and sustainable development in Pakistan. We are quite optimistic that Pakistan can revive its economy with right and timely interventions and structural reforms.