The business community has heaved a sigh of relief as the Supreme Court has announced its much awaited verdict in Panamagate case. The stock market went up and some business leaders even claimed that the decision was in the interest of the economy as uncertainty was causing adverse effects on business activities in the country.The chiefs of various business organizations, including the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry,have asked politicians to keep their focus on the establishment of political as well economic stability in the country.The economy of Pakistan is passing through a transitory period and politics of protests and agitation will put the country years away from development. The Supreme Court has ordered setting up of a joint investigation team to probe the matter and it will be fine for the opposition parties to let the officials do their jobs. Political stability is vital for economic stability of the country. The exports are falling, imports have increased and balance of payment problem is already haunting the economy. In this situation, any new protest programme will adversely affect the economic gains the country has achieved after years of struggle.
It seems another round of showdown between the government and opposition parties is round the corner as the Supreme Court has allowed 60 days to finish the investigation. However, it will be plausible for the parties to show restraint for the cause of the economy.The judiciary is independent and economic indicators are positive. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor will go a long way for the economic development of the country. Any political uncertainty will slow down the process of industrialization in the country. The decision guarantees certainty in the business environment and all the parties concerned should try their best to keep peaceful environment in the country. It is the irony of fate whenever the country takes a stride in the right direction, something happens and all the gains are lost in one go.
It is hoped that all the parties concerned will keep the national interest intact while deciding any agitation programme. The government should also concentrate on the electricity generation as the country is facing the worst kind of energy crisis. As the exports are already nose-diving, the shortage of electricity will add insult to injury. It is a test case for the government as well as the opposition to maintain norms of decency in politics and national interests should be given priority on personal interests.
