People have spoken. The election results are an indictment of the entire political process. The lacklustre turnout, the split mandate and voting pattern is nothing but a vote of no-confidence against the existing political as well as administrative system. The power politics and games that seasoned politicians play have created a polarised society waiting to ignite with the smallest spark.
It’s about time the political leaders need to take stock of their surroundings and rethink their agenda. The sooner the better….. lest they will be rooted out from their own political parties.
If they are sincere they will bury the political hatchet, give up their personal differences and form a national government.
If Pakistan has to survive and be recognised as a resilient state, we all need to huddle up and draw out an amended social contract.
A constitution which guarantees and mandates local Government elections…. also guarantees healthcare system. Similarly, it also guarantees no interference by the Parliamentarians in development projects. The public servants need to have guaranteed and tenured service.
Let’s do away with the selection system and put together all Pakistan Judicial Service. We need to reimagine the 18th amendment. Let’s agree to economic reforms which encourage local investment. Give Constitutional guarantees to farmers, industrialists and the businesses. These are trying times and we have to rise up to the occasion….. as no one is hindering us but our personal greed and lust for power.
It’s about time that politicos become statesmen. Will they do it is a question to be asked.
ATIYA ZAIDI
LAHORE
