The government needs to stop being complacent

The impressive PTI show in Lahore again indicated that Imran Khan could pull more crowds than any other politician. In an interview to a TV channel on the eve of the Sunday gathering, Khan reiterated his resolve to force Nawaz Sharif to resign. It was significant however that this time he declined to give a date. As he put it, it was a mission of his life to replace a defunct system led by Nawaz Sharif and the fulfillment of a mission is not bound by dates.

Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri have failed in their first attempt to displace Nawaz Sharif. The enthusiastic support given by thousands of people to their protests should however shake the government out of complacency. What Khan and Qadri had capitalised upon was the reserve of public discontent. What the people complain about is that there are no signs of improvement in their lives; the Prime Minister is not focused while the PML-N leadership is arrogant, irresponsive and lacking in initiative.

As immediate threat recedes with protesters leaving the D-Chowk, this should not lead to complacency in government circles. As the Prime Minister returns from New York, he has to act with dynamism. The indecisiveness has to end. Sharif has to cut down lengthy tours abroad and weekly visits to Lahore. Important issues that continue to hang fire, like the appointment of a permanent CEC and electoral reforms, should be resolved on a priority basis. The reforms have to ensure fair elections, transparency and early resolution of complaints. Instead of leading from behind the Prime Minister should be seen to be at the forefront. Among the first things he is required to undertake is a thorough overhaul of the Cabinet to give a new look to his administration and convey the message that he is resolved to deliver. Unless there is a qualitative change in the mode of governance, the country might soon be overtaken by another wave of protests.