Better late than never.

SOCIAL attitudes and economic development go hand in hand. Pakistan's politics is in an extremely divisive state, and its economy is in a mess. Soaring inflation has taken people by storm. Despite the gloomy situation, the government seems confident in meeting the economic challenges and is committed to lessening the burden on the national exchequer.

Though the decision by the government to reduce the fuel quota for cabinet members and government employees by 40 per cent, ban medical treatment abroad from the national exchequer, restrict the purchase of vehicles, disallow lunch and hi-tea at offices, etc., are steps in the right direction, they are not enough. If austerity is to be adopted, a national action plan must be chalked out.

The economy is in dire need of lenders' support without which, most economists fear, the country could face a default-like situation due to political uncertainty. Hence, the opposition needs to understand that dissolution of assemblies and demand for elections in the current situation will neither address the plight of the people nor solve the economic problems of the country.

Even if the assemblies are dissolved, the caretaker government will be faced with the...

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