EXTERNAL overreach and internal underreach have long characterised the approach of governments in the country. Pakistan’s history bears testimony to a phenomenon that has seen ruling elites focus more attention and energy on external engagements rather than on fixing perennial and mounting problems at home. Preoccupation with foreign pursuits has translated into less concentration on domestic challenges — as if the former can substitute for the latter.
Today too this stands out in sharp relief, as evidenced by the inordinate time spent by Pakistani leaders on foreign trips, regardless of pressing issues at home. For example, during the floods earlier this year that especially hit Punjab, the prime minister spent more time overseas than at home visiting the affected areas. More recently, he chose to preside over a cabinet meeting to approve the 27th Constitutional Amendment — no ordinary piece of legislation — by video link from Baku, where he was on a visit, which was hardly crucial.
Supporters of the governm
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