Olive branch

Faced with almost all sorts of crises — from a dwindling economy to bad governance and unhappy coalition partners — the PTI-led government now seems to be feeling the need, and realising the importance, to bring down the political temperature that has been rising and rising since Imran Khan took over as prime minister about a year and a half ago. Special Assistant to PM on Political Affairs Naeem-ul-Haque has extended an olive branch to the opposition during a television talkshow on Sunday, saying that the PM is ready to talk to opposition parties, and move forward on issues of national importance. What shows the government’s seriousness — or perhaps its desperation — is Haque stating that even a ‘hint’ from the opposition will be enough for the government to enter into dialogue with them. On the other hand, the PML-N, the country’s biggest opposition party, looks like expecting a formal invitation for talks.

Whatever may have stimulated the government to try and make peace with the opposition, the government’s conciliatory stance should be defended as a move in the right direction. A tug of war between the government and the opposition is never helpful in the context of national goals, especially during a crisis situation. Political rhetoric just for the sake of outwitting your political rival does not serve the purpose of national progress. This political wrangling not only sends out negative sentiments that are harmful for the businesses and financial markets, but also discourages the people in general. Moreover, it hurts efforts for bringing in political calm — something that is a must for the rulers to focus on issues of core concern for the country and the people, like the economy, international diplomacy and internal and external security.

It’s time for the opposition to accept the olive branch and enter into a meaningful dialogue for the sake of the country and its people, who have been suffering to no end. A consensus on the important post of Chief Election Commissioner could be a good beginning.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2020.

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