Ensuing challenges

Letter April 20, 2022
Ensuing challenges`

KARACHI:

Pakistani politics finds itself at a critical juncture because for the first time in the country’s history a Prime Minister was ousted through a no-confidence vote. Also, it is the first time that supporters of a political party have engaged in widespread demonstrations and processions. It goes without saying that the new Shehbaz Sharif led government will be faced with considerable challenges in the coming days. Individuals from different political parties who were once critics of one another now form the new cabinet. One cannot help but wonder how such a diversified group of individuals will work collaboratively and steer the country towards progress.

The opposition heavily criticised the former PTI government for the sky-rocketing inflation and price hikes. Therefore, the new government will be required to urgently draw and implement holistic measures to provide relief to the masses and uplift the economy. The PTI on the other hand has garnered significant support through its narrative and appears to have already begun its election campaign. A large number of attendees at recent processions within the country and diaspora Pakistanis demonstrating abroad warrant its large support base, which is building pressure for fresh elections.

Also, this is the first time that the country is witnessing extreme polarisation with people clashing both in person and on social media. Given the growing tensions, the new government will be required to speed its efforts in addressing the prevalent issues. Importantly, all parties within the Pakistan Democratic Movement must begin strategizing their election campaign because disagreements within the PDM are inevitable. Also, there is an urgent need for electoral reforms. The election commission should also set up a separate wing to probe into the different parties ahead of the elections.

Huma Nawaz

Rawalpindi

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21st, 2022.

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