In a challenging, complex situation, one can see consensus-building surfacing on how to resolve major issues, both by design as well as by independent actions of various stakeholders/institutions that tend to work in harmony.

A major issue on which near-consensus or consensus is so obvious is that elections should be held as scheduled on February 8. And that long-term policies can only be formulated by a representative government empowered by the electorate with a fresh mandate.

It is generally realised that public policies, including reforms of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), need to have national ownership to ensure their effective implementation and improved governance.

After recent interaction with major political parties, the IMF officials said that their leaders acknowledged the need for continuing structural reforms agreed upon with the IMF.

If a common agenda is implemented, the next government may be able to fulfil its tenure

While happy with the interim government, the entire business community is of the unanimous view that timely elections and peaceful transfer of power to the next democratically elected government is necessary for ensuring stability and progress.

And the United States has repeatedly reiterated that it wants Pakistan to remain on the democratic path. Even Chinese investors are reported to be waiting for an........

© Dawn Business