Sada-e-Watan Sydney
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Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane’s
article about his visit to Pakistan
Nation building and political reconciliation in
Pakistan
By: Shaoquett Moselmane (Former MLC of New South Wales)
I recently joined a small delegation of
Pakistani Australian businessmen on a trade and investment investigation
mission. During this visit, I witnessed a Pakistan eager to move out of its
stagnant economy and the political deadlock. The tenacity and the determination
of the people of Pakistan to rise out of their socio economic and political
conditions were palpable.
The people of Pakistan, deeply nationalistic,
in love with their history, poetry, culture, and nation, are hungry for change
– eager to take on the challenges ahead. Many were openly critical of the
government’s mishandling of the country’s economic woes and of the army’s
“interference” in the nation’s political affairs. Yet despite their
frustration, they remained hopeful that Pakistan would re-emerge as a confident
democratic nation-state.
Failure to address the political deadlock,
however, risks jeopardising Pakistan’s “emerging” economy and the government
could face the wrath of a frustrated population. Restoring confidence in the
economy, empowering the private sector, building on export capacity, and
lifting millions out of poverty are crucial steps in avoiding civil unrest, as
“terrorism” remains an ever-present threat. (Minute Mirror, 5 March 2025
edition.)
It is my contention that for Pakistan to
address its stagnant economy and to resolve its political crises, it must adopt
a two-pronged approach. First, the Shahbaz Sherif PML-N Government must
initiate political dialogue with Imran Khan’s PTI and work toward a
nation-building political reconciliation agenda, an agenda for a national unity
government. Second, the country must create a positive environment for Industry
leaders, entrepreneurs, and businesses — whether large or small — to drive an
export-led economic recovery.
To counter its economic downturn, the
government has announced ambitious targets aimed at transforming Pakistan’s
economic landscape over the next decade and beyond as Prime Minister Shahbaz
Sharif unveils his US$60 billion export boosting strategy. (See Minute Mirror
newspaper, Friday 21,02,2025).
These targets include:
- Gross domestic product: Achieve a sustainable annual GDP growth
rate of 6% by 2028.
- Increase annual exports to US$60 billion by 2028.
- Attract an additional US$10 billion in private investment per year.
- Generate one million additional jobs annually.
- Elevate the national GDP to US$1 trillion by 2035 and further to
US$3 trillion by 2047.
(Source: Ministry of Commerce Pakistan)
Political reconciliation in Pakistan must
begin with the release of Imran Khan and then progress should be made towards
negotiation for a power-sharing coalition government. Without political
consensus, the deadlock will persist, hindering crucial economic recovery
efforts and long-term stability. A national unity government would provide a
stable political climate necessary for the country to pass urgent economic
reforms, reduce uncertainty and instil confidence among foreign investors and
international financial institutions like the IMF and the Asian Development
Bank.
Some critics may dismiss this proposition as
fanciful and unrealistic. Historical precedent, however, suggests otherwise.
While achieving reconciliation requires significant political will, it is
possible if all sides were to put Pakistan first.
The 2008 transition of power following the
assassination of Benazir Bhutto is an example of how “Political reconciliation
efforts among various parties led to a peaceful transition to power, showcasing
how collaborative effort can stabilise a fractured political landscape".
Similarly, the 2010 peace accord with Baluchistan,
as put forward by the government of president Asif Ali Zardari and prime
Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, can lead to meaningful progress.
Political reconciliation as it has been
defined, “refers to the process by which conflicting political factions
work towards understanding, forgiveness, and cooperation to promote peace and
stability. In the context of Pakistan, where various ethnic, linguistic,
and political groups co-exist, fostering reconciliation is essential. It serves
as a pathway to bridge the divides and create a more cohesive national
identity.” (Journal of Historical Studies Vol. VI. No. II (Jul-Dec 2020) PP
162-177, 162 Politics of Reconciliation: A Conduit to Reduce Dilemma of
Democracy in Pakistan.) Provincial political parties must also be involved in
any reconciliation process.
Regardless of their political loyalties,
however, Pakistanis agree on one thing: the country’s political, economic and
judicial institutions must be strengthened not weakened.
Pakistan’s current fundamental problem, some
have argued, centres around two of its most important leaders who “still cannot
get over themselves. One considers himself a great politician but refuses to do
politics, while the other once called himself the biggest champion of civilian
supremacy yet now refuses to stand up for it.” according to a Dawn Lahore newspaper editorial (p6, Sunday 23 Feb 2025).
The editorial concludes, “Obstinacy has gotten the country nowhere in the last
three-odd years. The cycle of violence and retribution will need to stop so
that things can improve. Until it does, there can be little hope for socio
political and economic stability in Pakistan.” With this conclusion one cannot
but agree.
Australian Delegates with the Federal Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan
MINISTER Jam Kamal Khan, Hon.
Shaoquett Moselmane, Iftikhar Rana ( President PABC)
& Aurangzeb Rana
