The game of politics has once again reached a boiling point. The confrontation between the government and opposition is not something of a novelty, the history of power politics is as old as the country itself.
Unfortunately, Islamic Republic of Pakistan has experienced instability ever since its inception. It is a disease that has always had its roots in petty politics. On one hand, instability causes problems for internal security, while on the other, it opens the door for erratic policies that eventually lead to poverty and dependency on foreign loans.
As a result of the politics of hatred, confrontation and intolerance, the country already had seen the secession of East Pakistan. Amid decades of suffering under tyrannical military regimes, economic deterioration, the country is already profoundly indebted. Yet, petty political disputes never see the end in the land of the pure.
It is regrettable that the leaders of this nation are at odds with one another in spite of the pressing needs of the situation today. When there is extreme need for unity and cooperation to free the country from the grip of economic woes. No one is prepared to forgive the other.
Imran Khan, the leader of Tehreek-e-Insaf, has begun his onslaught against the government, and is determined to get the date for fresh elections. Government officials, while criticizing the timing of such marches and street agitation, are prepared to unleash violence against the marchers. The question is if political protests are the root of instability, how can using force to suppress protests result in stability?
In a democratic system, both the government and the opposition are responsible for solving masses’ problems in their respective spheres; yet there are occasions when it becomes necessary for both of them to cooperate in order to get the country out of a crisis.
In these challenging times, cooperation rather than conflict is required to get the nation out of these crises. It’s time for the government and opposition to rise above their egos and join hands before things reach to the point of no return.