Entering into 2015, Pakistan seems to have little to cheer about. The year 2014 was a story of mixed emotions for the country. Political deadlock between government and Imran Khan brought both hope and disappointment for supporters of democracy, while bloody clashes along the India-Pakistan border renewed fears of heightened tensions between the arch rivals. At a time when Malala was honored for her contribution toward education, a terrorist attack on Peshawar school made the world cry and reminded Pakistan about its growing militancy problem.
The New Year may merely be a change in date, as Pakistan has not made significant headway in overcoming its persistent problems. The Sharif government has its work cut out — it needs to start afresh and prioritize stability in domestic politics, normalizing relations with India and Afghanistan, and fight against terrorists and polio. Unfortunately for the Sharif government, recent news updates about these focus areas have not been too encouraging.
The cold-blooded murder of schoolchildren has strengthened Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in the country. It was a horrific, wake-up call for the country to eliminate all extremist elements. Although ongoing military operation against terrorist groups has achieved substantial success, Pakistan still has a long way to go in this battle for its survival. The country needs to implement far-reaching reforms in judiciary, education and economy to prohibit preaching and funding of terrorism.
In the aftermath of Peshawar school attack, Imran Khan’s PTI called off its massive anti-government protests in the best national interests. Since then, both sides have moved closer and hinted at holding meaningful talks to end the political crisis. However, the PTI has expressed its dissatisfaction over the attitude of government and once again demanded immediate setup of a full empowered, judicial commission to investigate the May 2013 election results. In case there is no breakthrough in negotiations, the PTI has signaled its intentions of relaunching protest movement against Sharif. Any such events would undermine national unity efforts and distract the government’s attention from key issues faced by Pakistan.
On the New Year’s Eve, Indian and Pakistani troops engaged in heavy exchange of fire that resulted in five casualties. Border skirmishes between the two sides have peaked in recent months and impeded any political efforts toward reconciliation. Further, some hawkish Indian political leaders have upped the ante against Pakistan and accused it of sponsoring terrorism in the country. In the backdrop of such events, there is little chance for peace talks to resume. In 2015, their bilateral relations will also be challenged by US withdrawal from Afghanistan and China’s growing interest in extending its regional influence.
Much to the dismay of Pakistan, another polio case was reported from Balochistan on the first day of 2015. This case highlights Pakistan’s polio emergency and its helplessness in the battle against this crippling disease that remains endemic. Effectiveness of anti-polio campaigns will be a key focus area for the Sharif government in 2015.
The complexity of these problems will test maturity of Pakistan’s nascent democracy and require concerted efforts from all stakeholders. It is hoped that the Sharif government will be resilient and make positive strides for the country’s development.
