Election under caretakers is a common practice prevailing in most parliamentary democracies of the world. Usually an outgoing government acts as the caretaker Government but Pakistan has deviated from this tradition. The Constitution now requires non-party caretaker government run the routine administration of the country for a limited period between the dissolution of parliament and the appointment of a Prime Minister after the constitution of a new parliament. The Election Commission of Pakistan has appointed Justice (Retd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, former Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court and Federal Shariat Court, bearing a reputation of honest and upright person, as the Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan. Khoso never indulged in any controversy and kept himself away from politics and while being a judge in the superior courts. Although the PPP had forwarded his name for this position; now he is Prime Minister of whole of the country and people of Pakistan expect him working only for what is in the interest of the country.
After dissolution of parliament on 16th March the domestic politics is now heading toward a bitter political confrontation over the next general election which is due to take place on 11th May 2013. Political violence has long been part of the political landscape in Pakistan and has historically been a time of heightened violence and insecurity and there is a significant risk of clashes during the coming elections. Pakistan also continues to confront major challenges to fostering a culture of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Corruption in Pakistan is widespread and permeates all levels of society; the rule of law is weak and the most institutions lack transparency and integrity structures. This is reflected in the country’s poor performance in most areas assessed by governance indicators. Political parties, public administration, the lower judiciary and the police are perceived as the most corrupt institutions of the country.
Pakistan’s political instability stems from a number of issues, including widespread corruption, weak government institutions, illegal migration to and from Pakistan, terrorism, deteriorating law and order situation, debts problem, collapse of economy, and so on…. has successfully exploited the political vacuum. The growth rate has plummeted, inflation is high and unemployment is rampant. There is near-anarchy in the country. Besides mass-scale killings in terrorist attacks, at least 10-15 people lose their life every day in Karachi alone. There are gas and electricity shortages. Foreign businesses are wrapping up to leave, and investors are not ready to come forward. The corruption is at its zenith. A picture of utter hopelessness, disillusionment and decay in almost every field has flashed into the mind of the people. The caretaker set-up would face toughest challenge of payment of debt as it would have to pay $2 billion to the IMF by June 30, 2013. The economists foresee the current situation is unsustainable, and acknowledge the strong likelihood of a new IMF program. However, the burning question is — how the election commission can assure a free and fair election? At present there are two demands going strong in the country. These are – free and fair election and accountability of plunderers.
The Caretaker Government should take immediate steps upon political and electoral reforms, including anti-corruption measures against the corrupt leaders who plundered the national exchequer during the last five years. After preliminary investigation, references may be filed with the NAB against the culprits found involved in corruption and corrupt practices. By all accounts, the Caretaker Government would enjoy popular support for its actions against political corruption. At the same time, the Caretaker Government should not exceed the limited mandate and tenure set by the Constitution, and should avoid usurping powers that only an elected government can carry forward. It should form a clear road map for this limited period mainly focusing on constitutionally restricted role of organizing free and fair elections. If we don’t know where we are going, the harder we run the farther we are away from our destination. When we seriously begin to take care of our country, it will blossom and shine brightly.
Caretaker government should institute accountability proceedings against persons charged with corruption from day one after taking oath of office. Those found guilty of corruption and wrongdoing should be disqualified from public office. The principal function of the Caretaker Government is to provide to the Election Commission all possible aid and assistance that may be required for bolding the general election of members of Parliament peacefully, fairly and impartially. The caretakers should help the Election Commission of Pakistan in the conduct of transparent elections. It will have to ensure that the demands of the Election Commission are efficiently fulfilled. It will also have to ensure that the bureaucracy acts impartially. Bureaucracy supposed to have been appointed by the outgoing Government for political reasons will have to be replaced with honest and impartial officials. These measures taken shall inspire confidence in the integrity of the caretaker set up. The caretaker government should fix its objectives of holding a free fair election, to make the country free of corruption and to make a quality change in the politics. The caretaker government should also focus on the balance of payment issue. Pakistan’s economy is dependent on agriculture and if the caretaker set-up reduced GST on agricultural inputs then economic revival is possible.
