12 Feb

Brexit

Brexit has created immense controversy in Europe for the last few months. Theresa May's failure to win the parliament's confidence has exacerbated the matter. In the hindsight, the following few things can be observed about the situations. These are:

• Referendum has polarized the British society
• The referendum could have contained more options rather than simple yes and no
• Some matters must not be left to polarizing exercise like referendum because the public opinion is fickle
• second referendum will create the same situation or rather make it worse. Therefore an alternate option should be adopted. The elected representatives can discuss the issue in town halls of their constituencies and come back with their suggestions which will be binding on Parliament.

Pakistan's Structural Reforms

The talks with IMF on the bail out package has recently concluded in an amiable environment with both sides willing to compromise their stated positions and adjust each other's point of view. This will surely ease out the balance of payment situation in Pakistan. However, Pakistan needs serious structural reforms to avoid bail out packages. Some observations in this regards are as follows:

• Washington's attitude towards Islamabad has softened owing to Pakistan's critical role in Afghan peace process
• PM Khan declarations about victory will be premature. The real problem lies in the structural arena and one has the courage to embark on effective reforms in order to correct the course.
• IMF bail out packages have been highly politicized which is a negative trend and must not avert our attention.  

New Provinces

The demand for new provinces in Pakistan has to be rationalized with the ground realities. Some observations in this regards are:

• New provinces requires abundant financial resources. Lack of capacity will bring centre on the policy formulation sphere sooner than ever.
• Generally, the principle of political expediency is at play when it comes to the divisive topic of new provinces. The political  parties are concerned about their vote banks and areas of consolidation rather than intrusively working to remedy  the administrative and welfare aspect of their constituents. 
• Mohajirs, hazarwal and Balochistan's pukhtuns are more prosperous than their respective majorities. Therefore, ethnicity must not be the only criterion for new provinces. The equity must take precedence.
• Seraiki has the strongest demand as it has size-able population and legitimate demands since many decades for a separate identity.
• GB and AJK provional provincial status has to be considered