August 05, 2007	Sunday	Rajab 20, 1428

KARACHI: People managing medium engineering units in Karachi favour authoritarian rule for they argue that business activities in Pakistan grew at an astonishing rate during Musharraf’s period. Chinese motorcycle makers do not agree and see the autocratic rule favouring only the big companies.

Former chairman Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), Mohammad Ashraf Shaikh said the history of Pakistan over the last 60 years holds testimony to the fact that businesses flourished during an authoritarian rule.

He said he did not see any link between democracy and market economy at least in Pakistan. To a question what suits business better, Mr Ashraf said for Pakistan he believes there is a need for a Turkish-type system of government that is both democratic and autocratic.

When asked as to which party he would support in the next election, he said this would depend on the manifesto of the political parties. However, he would prefer a moderate and forward-looking party.

Another active member of PAAPAM, on the condition of remaining anonymous, said in Pakistan market economic reforms were initiated by a democratic government with limited success. There was major thrust towards a free market during the current government. Currently Pakistan’s economy is not regulated. The last of the regulation of automobile deletion policy was done away with a year ago and replaced by a tariff regime. “I, for one, do not see a link between democracy and market economy in Pakistan.”

“Life has become much easier under the current regime. You may call it authoritarian but look at the reforms they have done like the e-filing of tax returns and no audit and self-assessment at all stages, including customs level. These reforms should have been introduced long ago. The government deserves credit for the growth in the economy.”

He said for a country to prosper a strong leadership with a vision is indispensable. If you look around in Asia most of the countries that have prospered had a very strong leader at the helm of affairs.

In Malaysia, a combination of king and democracy was a success. Thailand is a combination of king and democracy. In the UAE, authoritarian rulers are making rapid progress. India is pure democracy but if you go there the myth of it being far ahead of Pakistan evaporates into thin air. India does not have a local government concept despite having a well-established democracy at the state and federation level. What we need is a political system that suits us. The current system that is in place minus the uniform may be what we need, the PAAPAM member said.

He said he would support any party that can ensure stability and consistency in its policy. We require consistency the most. Businesses are adaptable as they can not afford to cease working.

The Vice Chairman (South), Association of Pakistan Motorcycle and Rickshaw Assemblers, Mohammad Sabir Shaikh, said there is a link between democracy and market economy. One can see the current situation of stock exchanges and abnormal rates of property because of autocratic rule. The military rule actually suits the multinational companies, while SMEs resolve their problems in a better way at a lower level under democratic rules.

Mr Sabir did not agree that businesses in Pakistan are more comfortable under an authoritarian ruler. He said he would support an honest person in the new election rather than supporting any single party because one can not trust anyone under the prevailing unsatisfactory situation.