For the average man and woman

Leaders should be mindful that all choices they make must cater to one primary end: improvement of common man’s life

The euphoria over the change of guard at the top-level may be long over. Yet there are people who hang on the belief that the new leaders will play their due role and bring about a ‘real’ change in their lives by focusing on genuine issues. Consider.

This may be possible if all the state organs function smoothly and within their domain and formulate effective policies to defeat terrorism, extremism, and check poverty and inflation as well as to improve the energy crisis. Indeed, the common man might not be interested in what happens in the corridors of power. The fact of the matter is that a common man’s real interest lies only in things which bring an immediate change in his life. Over the last six decades, the average Joe has been waiting for this to happen. Meanwhile, the political circus continues…

The year 2013 came to an end on a high note with regard to political developments, with many key political transitions happening successfully. The major events during the year included May 11 general elections, smooth transfer of powers, retirements of the army chief, the country’s top judge and the president. When the year started, a high degree of uncertainty surrounded those questions and whether all constitutional requirements would be fulfilled. However, all these took place peacefully and in a timely fashion.

Yet, with these successes, tremendous challenges lie ahead as the country is passing through a critical juncture. Extremism and terrorism, a worsening energy crisis and economic downfall should strike the Nawaz administration hard and pose a serious threat for its smooth functioning in the years to come. The successful handling of these issues will solely depend on the government’s efficiency and judicious use of resources.

At the same time, Pakistan is a key player in the region and the security and political developments across the borders will continue to have an equal impact on the country’s internal situation.But, despite it all, the leadership should be mindful that all the choices it makes, all the debates in parliament and the all policy measures cater to one primary end: the improvement of the common man’s life.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2014.