Delayed IMF deal with Pakistan blamed on political instability

[Jango]

Sorry, I did not get any notification of this mention.

Elections are not a solution. They are just a mechanism to change the façade in Pakistan, no matter who is brought in next. It is the continuity of policies and their implementation that is the same, and hence there can be no meaningful change in the outcomes despite elections. That is the issue facing IMF, not any turmoil.

I get what you mean, that there are significant underlying issues in our system that are the cause of our problems.

But having elections is a step, perhaps just a small miniscule step, but a step nonetheless in the right direction.

At the very least it tells the other party that the guy negotiating with you will be here for the next 5 years (at least on paper). Baki phir Hafiz sahab ka dil karay usay nikalnay ka woh aur baat hai.

 

[VCheng]

I get what you mean, that there are significant underlying issues in our system that are the cause of our problems.

But having elections is a step, perhaps just a small miniscule step, but a step nonetheless in the right direction.

At the very least it tells the other party that the guy negotiating with you will be here for the next 5 years (at least on paper). Baki phir Hafiz sahab ka dil karay usay nikalnay ka woh aur baat hai.

Of course they are the correct step. I have always advocated periodic elections and the peaceful transfer of authority as the means to building the correct foundation. Always.

But I also caution against anyone expecting any meaningful change in one or two or even a few elections. It will take at least 5 to 10 uninterrupted cycles, but every little step towards that must be supported. IK winning with massive landslide may be great, but let us wait for actual policies and their results, not mere claims and fancy PowerPoint presentations like before.

Counting chickens before eggs hatching and all that, you know.