In Pakistans economic landscape, politics and politicking is perhaps most pervasive, and so is the wrangling amongst the ministers, the legislatures, the government, the businessmen and even amongst the business groups themselves.
So as another fiscal year draws to a close, perhaps it wouldn hurt taking a count of major disputes in 2010.
In the spectrum of political economy, perhaps the only good thing, the passing of 7th NFC Award after months of discussion between the federation and federating units, soon saw post-natal complications, as the final bill signed by the president allegedly didn give provinces the right to collect GST over services.
The row that reminded all citizens that promises in Pakistan aren necessarily meant to be kept, later transformed into a major contention over VAT, as Sindh remained adamant over its constitutional right to collect VAT on services.
Though, Sindhs concerns were resolved later after a series of negotiations, VAT itself stood out as the single most dividing factor amongst the stakeholders, including politicians and the businessmen.
PML-N said that lack of infrastructure as the reason why the VAT isn such a good idea, PML-Q lashed out VAT on the premise of injustice to traders, ANP termed it inflationary, while MQM opposed the tax because it feels the burden would be felt most by lower and middle classes.
A similar outcry was seen from several business groups owing to which the plan to introduce VAT was eventually delayed; though interestingly few of those creating a hullabaloo actually knew what VAT is.
One very vocal senator of a leading party, who also owns a sizeable business house, had actually perceived that VAT and GST will co-exist, until the time BR Research clarified the situation to the gentleman. But by that time he had already made several censuring remarks on the media.
Aside from taxation issues, there was a row between the judiciary and the government over NRO cases, some of which were asked by the apex court to be reopened in Switzerland. That problem, however, has been pushed under the carpet for now - thanks to the delaying tactics improvised by the government.
Then, of course, who can forget the debate over RPPs, which, though, failed to prevent the government from rolling out expensive energy plans. One thing that did come out of that debate and media backlash, however, is that the government was forced to invite the Asian Development Bank for audit. ADBs report confirmed RPPs flawed nature, yet the RPPs live on.
In other heated disagreements, yarn spinners and textile value-added players pitched a battle against each other for at least three months over yarn export duty.
Back-of-the-envelope estimates suggest the industry associations (both Aptma and the value-added sector) spent at least Rs15 million, in their back to back appeals to the government - often stating facts that were almost on the verge of being obnoxious.
Other issues in the list include the sugar crisis, PMs mistaken axing and then re-appointment of CCP Chief Khalid Mirza in September, and rifts amongst Pakistans cricketers.
But perhaps what is most troubling is the recent slate between former finance minister Shaukat Tarin and former debt manager (under previous regime) Dr. Ashfaque Hasan, in a blame game that involves the question who pushed Pakistan into debt?
Seeing such mudslinging amongst politicians and business lobbies has become a norm for average Pakistanis; but when thorough-bred professionals, the likes of Tarin and Hasan, quarrel publicly, you know the virus has spread to dangerous levels.