THIS is apropos the editorial, ‘PTI chief’s threat’ (June 26). It mentions that Imran Khan is all set to take to the streets and start a sit-in once again against the government’s stance on the probe into the Panama papers.

The editorial rightly asks: “What choices does the opposition have for dislodging a government that it finds incompetent or corrupt?” In the past either the president was approached for a change of government or a military take-over would take place. Now, these options are not possible.

The solution is a system designed by politicians to find solutions to the political disputes that arise. But they neither have the capacity nor the will to bring about such a system because the existing one suits them.

They are reluctant to institute electoral reforms which would improve governance and promote only leaders who are competent and hold themselves accountable before citizens.

The editorial concludes: “Pakistanis will have to be patient with politicians and their reactions. The new code will take lots of time to craft.”

One disagrees. How long will the nation have to tolerate this status quo? And who will rid the nation of the musical chairs game between the major political parties who are in cahoots with each other and fool the people?

There has to be a relief valve for such situations. A potent National Security Council is the answer, but is it acceptable to the politicians?

Alternatively, how about the still evolving Chinese model mentioned by Anjum Altaf in ‘Democracy’s woes’ (June 26). This is based on democratic local elections and a meritocratic selection of the top national leaders.

In this system, local leaders handle basic issues of service delivery and are accountable to voters, but national leaders who need to make complex and unpopular decisions are chosen based on knowledge and experience.

Air-Cdre (r) Azfar A Khan

Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2016