- Needed, a positive response from Opposition
Imran Khan’s New Year tweet indicates an important change in his outlook. So far the PTI chief had put all emphasis on corruption indicating that he considered it the sole problem Pakistan was facing. Suddenly he seems to have realised that there are other vital issue also which deserve the attention of his government. In fact in his list of rankings corruption has slipped to the bottom position after fight against poverty, illiteracy and injustice. Imran Khan has vowed to wage jihad against the ‘four ills of our country.’ Hopefully this signifies an end to a fixation with corruption. Has he concluded that conforming to the law of diminishing returns, the unending repetition of the same mantra month after month has knocked the bottom out of his single point campaign against rival political parties? The New Year message by President Alvi also mentions ridding the country of poverty, hardship and unemployment. And, wonder of wonders, Fawad Chaudhry urges people to live and let others live. He has also called on the nation to move forward together and look for solutions to the problems that the country is facing! A late realisation, but nevertheless worth commending
The PM needs to be welcomed for putting some of the most urgent needs of the country as priority issues on his agenda. There is however a need to remind him that these issues cannot be handled successfully in a permanent state of confrontation with the opposition parties. Legislation including constitutional amendments will have to be undertaken whereas the PTI led government draws its strength only from a shaky coalition. Much more funds have to be diverted to education and imparting of skills to alleviate poverty and end illiteracy. Similarly, more funds have to be allocated to health. For this there is a need to revise priorities during budget making which again will require opposition’s help. So far offers by the opposition to jointly pursue common points have been turned down offhand as moves to seek an NRO. As a first step the PTI has to develop good working relations with the opposition which has genuine reasons to feel aggrieved.