Why Pakistan needs a charter of economy

Political parties time and again have shown maturity when it comes to Pakistan, whether it is an issue of national security, terrorism, extremism or removing sense of deprivation of smaller provinces.On Monday, they all came on ‘one page’ over Fata merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an historic day in country’s history. It is the right time that the parties should reach a broad-based consensus on national economy and none other than Prime Minister Imran Khan should take the initiative and invite national leadership before the national budget on ‘Charter of Economy’. Remember economic disorder can also affect fight against terrorism.As far as corruption cases against some leaders are concerned let the law takes its own course and if leaders are found guilty they should be punished. After all, both government and Opposition were already engaged in evolving a consensus on bringing change in the NAB law.It is a fact that every government goes to International Monetary Fund, and every Opposition opposes it but do the same when they come to power. So the PTI government is not different from the PML-N or PPP in this connection.But there are issues which need to be dealt above political consideration and which directly affects common man. PM Imran Khan needs to welcome the proposal of Leader of the Opposition Shahbaz Sharif for ‘Charter of Economy’ and there is nothing wrong in it.The premier has appreciated and thanked all the political parties Monday, when they unanimously passed 26th Constitutional Amendment. In the past we had seen such consensus on premier national issues like National Action Plan in 2014, after APS Peshawar massacre or after Pulwama attack. So why not on ‘economy’ that is as important as any other national issue. It is time to bury the politics of blame game over who was responsible for the present economic condition and who is not. Led the history judge it but the fact remains that every ruler promised to break the begging bowl and every ruler goes to IMF with a new ‘Kashkol’ for a bailout package. This time they may give us $6 billion in three years but have put some tough conditions.Pakistan does have very able and competent economists and experts. Prime minister can invite them all, both non-political or technocrats as well as those with political affiliations including those in the Opposition and ask them to prepare aContinued on page 9

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