In a massive show of strength in defiance against crackdown and curbs, the PTI has laid out its plan for the country’s economic recovery. The public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan was breath-holding and, as far as PTI is concerned, it was a moment of reiterating its election manifesto. As the party has knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court against the postponement of elections in Punjab, this rally simply underscored the resolve to fight it out constitutionally and in the political arena. Former prime minister Imran Khan, to the surprise of many, desisted from sabre rattling against the powerful Establishment, and rather went on to question their sagacity of tolerating a government that is not delivering. This sounded a more resilient approach this time, and hinted at a breakthrough as Khan called on the masses to rally behind the constitution and the apex court.
The PTI chief, in his lengthy discourse, touch-based on his strategy for the future, if he is returned to power. Tongue-in-cheek he kept on reminding the powers-that-be as to why and how they dislodged him, and narrated at length the alleged ongoing victimisation against his party. The 10-point plan to pull Pakistan out of the mess that it is in was news to the ears, as he pinned hopes on overseas Pakistanis to attract investment, and pointed out the vibrancy of the economy if minerals, tourism, agriculture, industry and entrepreneurship is tackled in its right perspective.
His strategy necessitates a rejoinder from the ruling dispensation, and that is the only way the country can walk on the path of healthy political competition by enabling people to make a fair choice in all humility. The fact that the PTI chief restricted himself to an electioneering mood, and did not play to the gallery to browbeat his adversaries, sounded wise on his part as he faces a string of litigations and a clampdown on his party. The peaceful display of public prowess is a welcome development, and what is needed in days and weeks to come is an understanding on maintaining order, and sliding the country towards a new mandate.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 27th , 2023.
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