There is food for thought for all political parties that reciprocated accusations and abuses among themselves in their campaign for the by-election, especially in NA-122. PML-N leaders claimed that people of Lahore love them and would reject the reactionary forces. On the other hand, PTI insisted that people would vote for a change. PPP-P argued that it would reclaim its lost popularity. The results contain both indictment and vindication against all parties; Lahorites have frustrated them all.
While PPP has almost been wiped out, the difference between the arch rivals PML-N and PTI is razor thin. This has also clarified media’s curiosity about the ownership of the ‘Takht-e-Lahore’, that is, it belongs to the people. All parties need to realise that no one has monopoly over thought of others. For instance the PML-N candidate and his colleagues asserted to defeat and route PTI in Lahore, but voters have done justice to both main contesting parties. They voted for PML-N on the NA seat while going for PTI at provincial level. This should be an eye opener for the sitting government of PML-N at provincial and national level.
Similarly, the proponent of change should change themselves before insisting for change in the system. They should accept defeat with grace and move on. All parties and their senior leaders including senior journalists need to comprehend that no one can claim exceptionalism as right to mould thought of voters. It is time to forget and forgive each other and move forward for a peaceful and harmonious society. Simply sloganeering about patriotism and national interest would not and should not work anymore.
RAJA SHAFAATULLAH
Islamabad
