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Qureshi supports

present set-up

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: "It seemed to me that the intervention by the armed forces of the country was not only necessary Ñ it was perhaps the only way of preserving the integrity of the country," observed former caretaker prime minister, Moeen Qureshi.

He delivered a speach at the talks on "Prospects and policies for the future" organised by the Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC) on Saturday.

He fully supported the military government and endorsed the economic reforms introduced by it.

"I was afraid that the deteriorating economy, the worsening law and order situation, the progressive undermining of key institutions of the State and the growing hostility between different provinces, and between various religious and ethnic groups, could lead to the political disintegration of the country," said Moeen.

However, he believes that a military government is not a panacea either. It should only be a transitional government.

"Its objective must be to create the environment in which a democratic government and institutions can begin to grow and flourish, he observed."

He said at home we face serious political, economic and social problems. Abroad we face an increasingly hostile environment.

"Our new rules must realise that they have a unique opportunity and responsibility to secure and safeguard the fate and future of our nation," remarked Moeen.

Referring to high speed globalisation and fastest growth in the information technology, Moeen said that all of this makes the task of economic management and political governance far more difficult than was the case some years ago.

"General Musharraf, in his two major speeches of October 17 and December 15, outlined a comprehensive list of reforms which, if fully implemented, will undoubtedly make an enormous contribution to both national integration and the country's economic recovery," said Moeen.

He said more rapid progress could be achieved if clear priorities are established between different areas of reform.

"The present government should focus on these areas where it is likely to have a clear comparative advantage over a civilian government," said Moeen.

He suggested that the first priority should be maintenance of law and order situation.

The large and persistent fiscal deficits over the last decade tell us clearly that we have been living beyond our means.

Moeen Qureshi pointed out that domestic banking and credit system is equally imperiled. It has not only financed the Government, it has been fashioned into a political instrument for financing political cronies. It has thus accumulated a huge non-performing portfolio.

He said Pakistan's need in future is for less government, not more government. He suggested privatisation of government owned banking sector. He also stressed for the institutional development.

"All we need is a government that is dedicated to serving the people rather than to the mere exercise of power. I am confident that we can build a prosperous nation and that it will find its proper place in the sun," Moeen concluded.