he coalition led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) now holds sway both at the federal level and in the Punjab. While boasting a clear majority in the Punjab, the PMLN has forged alliances with other parties in the National Assembly and the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan. Maryam Nawaz Sharif has been appointed as the Punjab’s first woman chief minister. Against the backdrop of Pakistan’s current economic woes, the PMLN faces a daunting challenge.

Tasked with extricating the country from its financial morass and charting a course towards economic recovery, the government must navigate rough and bumpy terrain. As Pakistan grapples with economic uncertainty, the onus is squarely on the PMLN to devise and execute robust strategies aimed at revitalising the economy and reinstating fiscal equilibrium. Amidst these formidable obstacles, the government’s capacity to surmount these challenges will be pivotal in shaping its legacy and steering Pakistan’s economic trajectory.

While Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has unveiled his cabinet and assigned portfolios to the ministers, the past two weeks have not witnessed any breakthroughs or policy announcements aimed at steering the external affairs towards a more prudent trajectory. In the present climate, characterised by the necessity for astute diplomacy to strengthen ties with friendly nations and navigate complex multilateral and bilateral relationships, the absence of substantive policy initiatives is significant.

Particularly striking is the appointment of a chartered accountant as foreign minister. The decision raises questions about the government’s approach to handling foreign affairs. As Pakistan contends with geopolitical challenges and strives to assert its position on the global stage, the appointment of a seasoned diplomat had seemed a strategic imperative. The current situation underscores the critical need........

© The News on Sunday