Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif: Example Is Leadership

                              Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif: Example Is Leadership

Clearly, people of Pakistan made their choice on 11th of May 2013 to choose between "Change" and "Experience", and they very wisely and shrewdly went for experience. As a result MNS was sworn in as "Prime Minister Of Pakistan" record 3rd time on 5th of June 2013. Now the mood in the country is Rosy and people buoyant with this PMLN victory, expecting an over night turn around and miracles. It was expected from them as they have gone through the worst night mare in last five years, with rising inflation, long ques at Gas Station's, power break downs, decaying economy, no job opportunities, terrorism, target killings, Bhatta, Drones, corruption, nepotism and what not. Nawaz Sharif has fuelled their expectations during his Election Campaign, promises of Motor Ways, Bullet Train, Metro in Karachi, reviving economy, get rid of power outages in shortest possible time, corruption free Government and countless more promises. Now lets be fair to the people of Pakistan and Nawaz Sharif as well and dig out what Nawaz Sharif as Prime Minister can achieve and can he satisfy those 18 crore people pinning their hopes on his leadership and foresight.

Nawaz Sharif even before sworning in as Prime Minster of Pakistan done few things, which has raised the bar and anticipation in his Government. 1) PMLN won GE on 11 May and Nawaz Sharif sworn in on 5th June, during that period PMLN has gone through hectic consultations and long debates, how to run their Government and getting rid of this Power Crisis menace. Hardly any day passed where we haven't witnessed tiring sessions and meetings regarding PMLN future priorities. So it was very clear on their part and strong realisation as well, people of Pakistan's optimism in their abilities. 2) PMLN had clear opportunity to form Government in KPK, where their staunch rival Imran Khan emerged as front runner and won more seats than any other party but PMLN opted out of this dirty game of the past rulers and gave PTI chance to form its Government despite not having the clear majority. 3) PMLN despite having a majority in Baluchistan and emerging as largest party there but still sacrificing their right to Lead the collision and giving CM Ship to and Governor Ship to Bloch's and Pashtoon Nationals, which is historic indeed but if you look into Baluchistan history and previous PMLN Governments, Nawaz Sharif always enjoys a cordial relations with Baluch Leaders, as in past Bughtis and Mengals ruled while PMLN in Federal Government. So whats different this time, Nawaz Sharif went a step further and gave CM Ship to a Middle Class "Dr Abdul Malik", who believes in political and democratic struggle. A human right activist and Educationist, very vocal on missing person's issue. Just recently out lined his priorities, in which getting rid of corruption, missing persons and Good Governance are the key elements. Good thing to hear from "Dr Abdul Malik", when he was asked in an Interview about missing persons issue, his response was that he got an assurance from Nawaz Sharif and Mian Sahib told him that he is even more concerned by missing persons and saddened by the miseries of their families. 4) Finally Mian Nawaz Sharif already out lined his priorities and selected his key cabinet ministers, which fortunately are those with great reputation and no corruption charges, this pre-sworn in exercise has definitely raised the expectations and faith on  Nawaz Sharif Government. Similarly selection of Bureaucrats taking a long and honest consideration as well, so no merit is violated and best man gets the job.

Prime Minister Nawaz Government is off to a very promising start, first few days are showing lot of maturity and promise. Small sized Cabinet chosen filled with loads of experience and hardly any face which can be debated and fingers can be raised regarding any corruption in the past. Loyalist taking the Centre stage but few which also served under Mushraf regime were able to hold on to key positions, likes of Zahid Hamid, Sikander Boson, Sardar Yousaf, Amir Muqam etc, which indeed an injustice to the PMLN loyalist who faced the brunt of Dictators wrath and these opportunists have found a way to power corridors again. Honourable Ministers have already taken charge of their offices and PMLN Government is all set to float their plans and implementation of their promised agenda. Similarly appointments on key positions like DG IB and Attorney General Pakistan going to "Aftab Sultan" and "Munir A Malik", both very honourable and men of highest integrity, other names floating regarding different portfolio's look very impressive indeed. Another appreciable thing PM Nawaz Sharif done was fulfilling his promise of limiting his protocol to minimum, his visit to Lahore saw no road blocks and smooth sailing of traffic, which indeed is symbolic but very necessary because thousands get stuck in traffic during VVIP movements.

Now lets find out the challenges and threats faced by the newly sworn in PM Nawaz Sharif. Challenges faced by PM Nawaz Sharif are melting down of economy and terrorism. Actually I am a firm believer that Nawaz Sharif and his experienced team being at helm of affairs twice in nineties, during second tenure faced International Sanctions after Atomic Blasts but still managed to kick start the ruined economy handed over to them by their predecessors. Yes Pakistan is facing huge liabilities of 1500 trillion rupees, Foreign investment at its lowest of 500 million dollars, Public Sector Enterprises bleeding a massive 400-500 billion rupees annually, Daily corruption of 7-8 billion rupees as reported by Transparency International Pakistan, 12 to 15 hours of Power Shut Downs, Businesses shifting to other countries, Small and Medium businesses almost close to a halt, Faislabad Textile Sector facing sever gas shortages and massive job loss in Pakistan Business Hub, Billions and Billions of pending corruption cases in NAB and Courts, infect Economy is in tatters but Nawaz Sharif and his Team resolve and commitment to solve these issues have already started to make an impact and feel good factor among traders and investors, as stock market of Pakistan has become one of the best performing markets in Asia last month. Yes the task seems daunting and humongous but resolve seems very encouraging as well,  Mian Nawaz Sharif is about to announce his 100 day short term plan, medium term and long term plan. Energy Conference very next day after Nawaz Sharif sworn in as PM, clearly shows that he realises the impact of power crisis ( 1 to 2% of GDP annually) on economy and Social cost of it , so I think people of Pakistan shall witness a clear change in priorities and style of Governance in coming days.

The real threat and challenge Nawaz Sharif is going to face is terrorism and "Civil Military Relationship" these are closely associated issues. As we know the history, Mian Nawaz Sharif always remained at odds with Military Leadership and twice his Government was sent packing in nineties because he strongly believes in Civilian Supremacy. But he had his fair share of mistakes in past when a junior General was preferred over Seniors and later the same General snubbed Mian NS Government in nineties and Marshall  law was imposed in oct 1999, Mian NS needs to learn from his previous mistakes and must realise  that in third world countries, Military Leadership remains powerful , strong  economics and good governance on part of civilian leadership make it stronger as was the case of "Turkish PM Tayyab Erdgaon". Pakistan Civil and Military Leadership need to take a fresh start and bury the hatchet as terrorism and separatist movement in Baluchistan  are making this country internally very weak and pushing it towards a  failed state. Mian NS needs to address the concerns of Military Leadership regarding his policy on terrorism and initiatives on peace talk. He needs to realise Pakistan has suffered 50,000 plus  civilian and military  causlities and thousands are suffering after losing their loved and dear ones. Yes Economic cost was huge, Pakistan suffered a 100 billion dollar lose and  disintegrating social fibre as well but negotiations from a position of weakness wouldn't be a wise move, as these elements are publicly disowning Pakistan as a Democratic State. At the same time Pakistan need to convince International Community on Drones but unfortunately we must and have to admit this bitter reality that most big guns of Taliban and Al Qaida were caught or Droned in our country. Military at the same time has to mend its ways and stop meddling in political affairs and strictly restrict them to their assigned role defined by constitution. Let the civilian take the centre stage regarding Baluchistan and terrorism but at the same time, give their positive input to the Executive. Both Civilian and Military Leadership must immediately sit together to chalk out "The Counter Terrorism Strategy" of our own. Military Leadership should take a lead and help Civilian Leadership to settle the agonising and painful issue of missing persons in Baluchistan and even in other parts of the country. This feeling that agencies don't listen to anyone and are not answerable to anyone, is badly hurting Pakistan Military Image publicly. As "Nelson Mandela" once quoted, its better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership".

Finally bitter history between Mian NS previous Governments is that they always remained at logger head with Media and Judiciary, one way or the other tried to rein  their powers and clip their wings. PM Nawaz Sharif must realise that in last decade or so, Media suddenly has become very powerful and independent, definitely a pillar in state organs. Just imagine in nineties it was all powerful Print Media to handle but in 2013,  not only Electronic Media but Social Media is fast becoming a power house, so Nawaz Sharif led PMLN Government has to be very careful and should always be open to positive and constructive criticism. Similarly Media must realise its credibility is at stake, avoid undue criticism and interference in Government affairs. Judiciary an other pillar of State, has really emerged strong and powerful institute under "Iftikhar Muhammad Choudhary" as Chief Justice. It has refused to be  influenced by politicians and bureaucratic strings. The previous government always remained at logger head with judiciary due to their handling of corruption with iron hands.

Next five years is indeed a test of political acumen and clear thinking of Mian Nawaz Sharif as C.Executive of Islamic Republic Of Pakistan, because he asked for simple majority from people of Pakistan, they trusted him and voted him to power. Its up to him now,  how he handles these towering challenges faced by Pakistan, never seen in its 65 year history, as "Winston Churchill" once quoted "The Empires Of The Future Are Empires Of Minds".