One industrialist’s name has become prominent lately. He has become the guiding force in government-businessmen parleys and has unrestricted access to the highest authority in the government. He is the motivational impetus for many leaders of associations and chambers and his advise is sought and respected. His entrepreneurial skills, his deep knowledge of economics and finance, and his leadership qualities, are acknowledged and appreciated. This man is Bashir Alimuhammad, a scion of one of the pioneering industrial families of the country.

Coming to the present economic scenario, it is a matter of record that the present coterie in the Finance Ministry has been totally helpless in getting the country out of the morass. The foreign lending agencies are not satisfied with the way things are run at the Ministry and have even accused the high-ups in the Ministry of "doctoring the books and playing cheap gimmicks to paint an unreal picture of the economy". The foreign exchange reserves have plummeted to an alarming $600 million as of September 26, but the Advisor is still chest-beating the illusory figures of over $I.4 billion.The FPCCI President has repeatedly stated that the business community has no confidence in this Advisor and his team, and thus the PM’s spouse had to enter the picture and negotiate with FPCCI.

Thus the Prime Minister has to do some pragmatic rethinking to restore the country’s credibility and at the same time send positive signals. It is imperative that she take cognizance of the expertise of Bashir and utilize these to the benefit of the country. Therefore, it is sincerely proposed that he should be appointed the Finance Minister and given a laissez-faire mandate to get Pakistan out of the financial quagmire. He should be allowed to select his own team and take decisions even though these may be politically unpalatable. The PM should ask a Senator from Sindh (Taj Haider?) to resign so that Bashir can become one. It is hoped that the President and the Leader of the Opposition will also acquiesce to this proposal. After all this is one area where no one should play politics!

Sincerely :