Usher in political stability

PTI has grabbed another coveted constitutional post in Punjab. The election of its nominee as the Speaker of Punjab Assembly was no big deal, given its numerical simple majority on the floor of the house. But what made it a political cheer was that legislators from PTI and PML-Q stood with the party decision, and none of them crossed floor. That was quite a possibility as the ballot for the Speaker is held in secrecy, and there is no show of hands or personal count as mandated for the office of chief minister.

Thus, this episode of loyalty has not only buoyed the political bonding of the coalition, but has also put to rest allegations of sorts that were doing rounds that many of them have compromised their affiliation and might vote for the PML-N candidate. At the same time, it also made a point that PML-N, despite being in a desperate state of mind after losing Punjab, had opted for decency in politics and did not try to influence the emotions for a possible deceit.

Punjab, and the country at large, needs political stability. It is a good omen that PML-N gurus who talked of slapping Governor’s rule have been silenced. Likewise, the coalition at the federal government has accepted the change of command in the country’s biggest province, which has upped the bargaining position of the ousted PTI. Nonetheless, Chief Minister Pervez Elahi’s wise approach to address the socio-economic grievances of the masses as they sit in misery at the hands of monsoon rains and ensuing destruction is a great relief. Its decision to relaunch the succor modules of rebated ration, financial assistance for those below the poverty line, and two free square meals to the destitute is a good beginning. It is time for politics of connivance to take a back seat, and political parties across the divide huddle for a dialogue with a one-point agenda on to how to relieve the masses from price spiral, and cushion up the economy that is at the verge of default. Issues of political exigency can wait for another day.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 31^st, 2022.

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