A TRUE leader not only has a vision, he also has an effective strategy. An effective strategy is the one which does not include any compromise on principles.

The incumbent prime minister also has a vision — a vision for a ‘Naya Pakistan’. At the time of the last general elections, other leaders also contested the polls with their own visions, but their chances of success were remote as they had been tested previously. This charismatic leader with a powerful vision and a popular mantra of ‘change’ managed to win the game of throne and finally sat on the driving seat.

Unfortunately, two years have now passed, but he is still moving in the wrong direction. The vision of ‘real change’ can materialise if an effective strategy is formulated. This leader undoubtedly formulated a number of strategies; however, his strategies could not drive him in the right direction. The reason is simple — he compromised. He compromised time and again.

For instance, when the balance of payment crisis popped up, he ran to the IMF. Although the financial injection by the IMF and some friendly countries proved helpful in the short-term, it also led to unprecedented inflation. He also failed to take decisive action against sugar and fuel mafias. He even compromised over the issue of the army chief’s extension. His compromising nature helped his ministers to enjoy impunity.

The realisation materialisation of vision calls for an effective strategy. It also calls for the leader to change his compromising nature in order to successfully navigate to his desired destination.

Inzamam ul Haq
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2020