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[Spearhead Research]

The Case for an Advisory Board

Spearhead Analysis 15.12

Pakistan is in the doghouse---a place it is familiar with but not because it likes being there. For the sixty one years of its existence Pakistan has been trying to be a democratic, moderate and tolerant Muslim state ---a model for the Islamic world and a bridge between Islam and the West. Talk to the street in Pakistan and you will find a consistency in this general urge. Pakistan is now at a crucial juncture in its long journey.

Pakistan chose the evolutionary path to reach its goal. Unlike a revolutionary one this takes time and goes through many phases including distractions and interruptions. Today’s circumstances have created a situation that forces Pakistan to choose between two forces that are driving it in different directions. This is where its evolutionary process has brought it and it must make a choice or drift forever in ambiguity and doubt. Having made its choice Pakistan has to direct its destiny and take definite steps to be a part of the interconnected globalized world.

One choice before Pakistan is to remain an internally soft state. This means not confronting its internal contradictions and problems but not necessarily giving in to them either. This may seem politically expedient in the interest of internal harmony but it invariably creates an environment that can be exploited by many internal and external forces in pursuit of their own interests. This may have been Pakistan’s preferred path in the past but cannot be any more. The threats have overtaken Pakistan’s capacity for tolerance and containment. Not to face reality now would be a tragic mistake.

The reality centers on the problems of militancy, economic decline and weak governance. In a world where ‘failed or failing states are seen as a danger to international peace and order Pakistan cannot afford to be sidelined. It is neither failed nor failing. It has institutions and structures but these have been weakened by erosion from within. These have to be made functional and strong through political resolve and a credible blue-print that will attract international support. This is where the other choice before Pakistan becomes relevant—a real grass roots up transformation that gives credence to its declaratory policies not the cosmetic measures that peter out under pressures.

Pakistan needs government that has credibility because only then can it formulate acceptable policies and govern effectively. This credibility will not come from individuals---it will come from an institution at the highest level whose credentials are impeccable and expertise not in doubt. This will provide considered input to decision making, suggest responses, provide oversight and be the identified consistent support behind international interaction. This arrangement would have to continue till Pakistan has completed institution building and the transition to either full parliamentary democracy or evolved its own hybrid Presidential-Parliamentary system. Without such an arrangement in place it is simply not possible to govern, manage crises, undertake institution building, formulate policies and carry out oversight---all at a time of grave internal weakness and mounting threats.

This suggested arrangement can come about by opting for an Advisory Board at the highest level. Its members should not be cronies, active politicians or the permanent job applicants whose every word is a job application. Nor should there be the usual motivation of salaries, allowances, perks and privileges. Its members should be drawn from all relevant disciplines and have national and international identities, proven expertise and the independence that comes from success. A Chairman can be chosen on rotating basis from within them and they should be able to access input from multiple sources with a small dedicated secretariat for staff work. The ‘advice’ or ‘output’ from this Board should be on record but its acceptance may not be mandatory. This suggested structure has Delphic overtones but that is exactly what is required.

The time is right for such a step because the military and the government are on the same page and have converging interests. The apparent political weakness is because of multiple centers and trivial matters awaiting resolution through decisions. The economic decline cannot be ‘fixed’---it needs comprehensive unpalatable measures. Governance is the response people desperately want. This is an opportunity that Pakistan must not miss.

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