The PML-N and the PPP have taken the right step by aligning together to form the next government. Though there are allegations of stolen mandate from the PTI, it appears to be a regular phenomenon now as no elections in the history of Pakistan have been free from controversies.
The PTI has emerged as a victim but its track record has been even worse in comparison with other parties that have lost elections in the past due to the undue meddling from certain quarters.
Irrespective of who is to be blamed and who is to reap the benefits of less-than-fair elections, it is time to outline a possible trajectory for the future. There are at least four ministries in any government that bear the brunt of policymaking and ultimately affect people and their wellbeing.
These are the ministries for defence, finance, foreign affairs, and interior. Though other miniseries such as education and health have a direct bearing on people’s lives, they have become more or less provincial matters and the federation has little to do with them. Indirectly, all federal and provincial ministries depend on the four major ministries and their decisions at the federal level.
The defence and finance ministries are perhaps the most significant and the other two – foreign and interior – appear to take their shape in the light of the decisions taken by the defence and finance ministries.
No matter which party comes to power, the four major ministries have followed a similar path through decades. This is perhaps because these ministries have rarely been under independent civilian control in Pakistan. Even if the ministers have been civilians, their steps have betrayed an influence of forces not entirely under their control.
This is one reason for Pakistan’s declining fortunes and the constant mess it finds itself in. The facade keeps changing but there has hardly been any major change that could herald a new era for the country and its people.
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