Last week was a rather hectic one in Lahore. Between the cricket and politics Lahore remained an epicenter of activities. The cricket “Independence Cup” concluded on a high note, without any untoward incidents. Its success has assured a limited revival of cricket in Pakistan, with the West Indian team slated to tour in November and later the Sri Lankans. The cricket was spectacular. The final match, a decider in the three-match series, which Pakistan won, was witnessed by a full house. Apart from the high quality cricket, fan spirit and enthusiasm was superb. There was support for both sides and overt gratitude for the World XI agreeing to tour Pakistan. While for the cricket-starved fans it turned out to be a treat, for the residents, especially commuters, not quite so. All major vehicular arteries adjoining the Gaddafi Stadium were cordoned off, along with major educational institutions like the FC and Kinnaird colleges, were closed for the duration of the tournament. There was much ado caused due to this.

Unfortunately, whatever the city, terrorism has become an ugly and tangible reality. Excessive security is a stark part of life. In context of what was at stake, reassuring the world that it was safe for foreign teams to tour Pakistan, the extreme security measures were understandable. What was missing from the planning part was the timing and methodology. Alternate traffic plans needed to be rolled out much earlier based upon input from the stakeholders. Public awareness campaign highlighting the criticality of the event and seeking public support needed to be carried out. After all the populace must have their game.

For another much observed and enthusiastically contested competition, we turn to the NA-120 by-polls.

The actual results are beyond the prescribed deadline for this piece but should be available by the time it goes to press. At the close of polls, by all accounts, the ruling party had a definite edge. Naturally, the incumbent factor plays a part. Apart from a loyal voting base, including a significant presence of the trading classes, the resources deployed far outmatch those by the opposition. The main opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, despite starting off well, has somehow lost its momentum. Confining themselves mostly to a door-to-door campaign might not be a winning strategy in the long run. Fighting an election is akin to a war where every move has to be countered. There is also an element of dazzling the populace with grand and opulent shows of power: critical components of fighting an electoral battle, which the opposition seems to have failed to grasp.

During the election campaigns there was also much talk of all parties openly flouting the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) rules. While most seem logical in assuring that free and fair elections transpire, some need to be revisited. The most obvious one is the ban on elected officials campaigning.

Everywhere in the world there is an incumbent advantage and most presidents and prime ministers actively campaign for their party’s candidate. Take these by-elections as an example. Had the Punjab chief minister been fielded as a candidate, would he be excluded from campaigning on his own behalf?

Or for that matter does anyone really think they are actually voting for the former PM’s wife, despite his absence from the campaign? What is the rationale in excluding a party chairman from campaigning?

Let the people have their leaders and their shows. Whatever its results, the by-elections, are a small part of the bigger game. How the former PM and the ruling party fare remain to be seen.

Sidelight: One came across an interesting headline in a newspaper this week: “Solar system installed at railways headquarters.” Now, one has heard of plucking the stars from the heavens for someone but an entire solar system - a feat that could not have been accomplished by anyone but our stellar railways.— AM Lahori (AmLahori@gmail.com)

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2017