Nawaz Sharif foreseen to get bigger majority in 2018 polls; PTI losing public support: Report

ISLAMABAD, Jan 13 (APP): In high recognition of the efforts by Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government to deliver on governance, economic
reforms and particularly the security, the analysts foresee even a bigger majority for the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz in 2018 elections.
According to a report published in Nikkei Asian Review,
an English language business journal, Pakistan had recently witnessed significant improvements in its infrastructure and energy sectors, helped in part by the downward trend in oil prices.
In August, the country completed the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund Facility program, which provided $6.4 billion in financial aid over three years on condition the country undertakes certain reforms, including fiscal austerity and privatization measures. Macroeconomic indexes were up across the board, and relations with the U.S. and the wider international community had improved.
It said the public order, which had long plagued the entire country, was normalizing thanks to the military’s anti terrorism campaign.
Although it could only be described as reaching the halfway point in its efforts to promote exports and manufacturing, reform the tax code and privatize state run companies, Pakistan’s recovery was undoubtedly gathering pace.
For fiscal 2017, the country was confidently projecting growth above 5%. The consumer price index, which for a time saw double digit annual growth, fell to 2.9% on average in fiscal 2016. The government’s annual deficit had fallen from 8.2% in fiscal 2013 to 4.6% of GDP.
Under Sharif, the Asian Review said the ruling PML N had focused on building infrastructure and public transportation systems. It had also made certain progress, mainly in its stronghold of Punjab, developing agricultural areas and addressing unemployment.
The centerpiece of its political campaign was the China Pakistan Economic Corridor project, a comprehensive infrastructure program relying on financial help from China. Investment in CPEC projects totals $51 billion, mainly for the building of power plants, but also encompassing roads, ports, railroads and airports, and offers hope of spurring industry nationwide.
“There’s a significant improvement both on the economic and security sides. Democracy is also taking roots,” said Arif Habib, CEO of leading conglomerate Arif Habib group, when asked about the performance of the Sharif administration. “The media is free, and the judiciary system is also improving,” he added.
Abdul Aleem, secretary general of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry, comprising 195 foreign companies and other organizations, said, “The government is very strong,” although “commodity prices, especially oil, are the biggest risk.”
“The current government is spending a lot of money on infrastructure and energy, which is deeply requisite for business growth and development,” commented Shahrukh Hasan, group managing director of Jang Group.
Highlighting strong foundations of the PML N, the journal said in June 2013, Pakistan underwent its first ever peaceful regime change from one elected civilian party to another. In the National Assembly the ruling PML N holds 189 seats, 55% of the total 342, while the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party, co led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, son of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, holds 47 seats. The Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) holds 33 and was led by Imran Khan, a former cricketer.
The PPP won the 2008 general elections after leader Benazir Bhutto was gunned down during the campaign, but lost steam due to political failures. The party was working to regain power under the leadership of Bilawal and Bhutto’s husband Asif Ali Zardari, but that would require increased support in its own stronghold in Sindh, as well as making inroads in Punjab, the PML N heartland that was home to more than half the country’s population.
The PTI made major strides in the last general election, but public opinion was turning. As one Pakistani businessman put it, “They lost people’s support due to agitation politics, including months long sit in at the parliament.”
Recently, the Panama scandal involving Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s son and daughter was widely talked about, but had not developed to the point of threatening the administration.
The Jang group’s Hasan was already predicting a ruling party victory in 2018. “Unless something major happens, [Sharif will get a] bigger majority in next election.”
There are challenges, of course. Economic interests have been demanding reform of the rigid and burdensome tax system, particularly for manufacturers and large corporations, the export promotion policy and communication between federal and state governments. Efforts to privatize Pakistan International Airlines and the essentially bankrupt Pakistan Steel Mills are also deadlocked.
In the second half of 2017, as Pakistan moves into the election campaign season, it will be difficult to cut spending, not only on infrastructure but on development in rural areas, health care and education. One senior foreign diplomat in Pakistan said, “It can only keep on running on this force until the 2018 general election.”
For Sharif and the ruling PML N, 2017 will be a crucial year. Following through on economic reform and delivering tangible results for business and people in general will be essential.