THE PML-N has clearly emerged as the political player to lead Pakistan. However, this victory with ease will not result in an easy term in office.

It will involve a fine balancing act, political maturity and diplomatic finesse to deal with three different provincial governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan, not to mention the ever asserting judiciary, the army, inefficient bureaucracy and the whims and desires of the political candidates of the PML-N.

The first 100 days of the government will set the tone for the rest of the electoral term of five years. Hefty and immediate decisions involving the terrorist insurgency, economic woes, electricity loadshedding, social expenditure, law and order will have to be taken.

If the policy is not set and the ball is not sent rolling during the first 100 days, there is little hope for a change.

The immediate indicators for a revolutionary term in office will be fair political moves, reaching out to other parties and the size of cabinet.

Will cabinet be formed to appease party office bearers or political allies or will it be formed to facilitate effective governance?

Will there be a change in the extravagant spending on luxuries, perks and privileges of the elected. Will these elected representatives serve the people or become uncontrolled, proud victors?

The performance of the previous government is an example for the new government. Pakistan is continuously raising its standards and cannot afford another five years of dithering and wayward policies.

These are early days of hope and aspirations and we are all set to start climbing after a steep decline. May we ascend the pinnacle of success and be counted as a leading and civilised nation.

SALMAN. A. BUGVI Lahore

Some questions NOT much time has passed since the last vote was cast in Pakistan, and people are out on the streets, protesting against the massive rigging in the elections.

Surprisingly, the many foreign observers who arrived in Pakistan a few weeks ago are still mum.

The Election Commission of Pakistan is so far just shrugging its shoulders looking the other way.

Many videos are being uploaded on social network confirming rigging. This is beside the personal experiences that the people are enumerating to each other as well as to the media.

In central and rural Punjab the same reports are emerging.

The results haven’t been announced officially by the ECP, yet the PML (N) has given its acceptance speech, and announced Nawaz Sharif as its new prime minister.

Funny that some Pakistani TV channels started announcing results even before the voting time ended, thus making the entire exercise all the more unreliable.

Historically, Pakistan has had its fair share of conspiracy theories, each one better than the last.

This time the way the whole exercise of free and fair elections has been orchestrated is simply unprecedented. One political party boycotted the elections in Karachi in protest against rigging within a few hours of the start of the polling.

The remaining parties, though did not boycott the process, started raising concerns and finally lodged complaints with the ECP.

Some major concerns are: if the army personnel were deployed in sensitive areas, then what were their orders beside being silent spectators?

What measures did the ECP take to investigate and respond to such serious allegations? If these allegations prove to be right, then what will happen?

Considering the financial crisis, the country is facing, is re-election viable?

What’s the guarantee that it will be free and fair next time?

What was the purpose of this whole exercise, other than putting up a show at the cost of causing turmoil in a country already facing crisis at all national and international fronts?

Of the 86 million, 36 million were new registered voters. 60 per cent turnout of voters is a significant sign that people are indeed sick of the status quo and want a change.

Is this the change they were looking for, only time will tell.

FAUZIA ASIM Bhawalpur

PTI govt in KP? AS a staunch PTI supporter, I am happy that we had an impressive start.

As for the overall results, I would urge my leader to highlight the problems to the extent that it helps the Election Commission of Pakistan improve its performance.

The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reposed their trust in the PTI leadership. My sincere hope is that Nawaz Sharif would graciously thwart all ill-intended efforts and allow the majority party the right to make the government.

Like all other provinces, KP is also blessed with a wealth of natural resources, including oil, gas and coal reserves, and huge hydropower potential. Bringing peace will surely attract investors to the province ushering in a new era of prosperity under the PTI government for the people of the province.

Mrs KHURSHID NAIM Islamabad

A case of discrimination THIS is apropos of the news report, ‘Ahmadis dissociate themselves from the polls’ (May 6), in which one of their spokesmen expressed concerns and grievances regarding inequitable and discriminatory treatment with Ahmadis in Pakistan. It is embedded in the constitution of Pakistan that every person — Muslim or non-Muslim — will have access to basic human rights. But Ahmadis in Pakistan are always denied their basic human rights and are always subjected to persecution.

A separate voter list only for Ahmadis is again an example of strong manifestation of such discrimination, which deprives Ahmadis of their basic rights and makes them feel as if they are not citizens of Pakistan.

I would request the authorities concerned to look into the matter seriously and eliminate the elements provoking/abetting such unfair treatment with Ahmadis in Pakistan.

ATAUL MOSAWWIR Muzaffarabad

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