THIS is apropos the article ‘Governance trap’ by Anjum Altaf (July 16). The writer asks what the guarantee is that, if Imran Khan is elected and fails to deliver there won’t be someone else claiming to improve governance.

No one can guarantee that Khan will succeed in fulfilling his claims but people do have a right to choose their representatives — and better ones every time. It is absurd to ask for guarantees that there will not be newcomers claiming to solve problems. There will always be newcomers because it is their right and also because the status quo parties have failed to deliver. Anyone can participate in the political process.

Among myriad other questions, the writer also asks as to why we need a parliamentary system in which even a competent leader cannot survive without strongmen. Well, let me ask: “Would you be willing to support a leader, say Imran Khan, if he tries to change the system to a presidential one?” Of course not. Then you will be writing to complain that too much power in the hands of a single person is dangerous.

Faisal Ibrahim

Muridke

(2)

IN ‘Governance trap’, Anjum Altaf convincingly warns of the apocalypse that only far-reaching structural reforms would prevent, bemoans the forlorn landscape of incapable and ineffective leaders from the past, and adds predictions of impending failure: “In this structural scenario, it is incredibly naive to hear the opinion that Imran Khan deserves a chance because he is an untainted newcomer while everyone else has had a turn [...]”.

As such, we need a panacea that covers all the criticism of every government past and future as well as addresses the concerns of the masses. I have the answer: let us contract out the top job to the one person beloved of all, who has the required expertise, would be worth every dime of his fees, has proven credentials and now seems on the market — Barack Obama.

I am told our current foreign minister has excellent relations with Mr Obama. He should immediately be despatched to the US to use his inimitable charm to entice the former US president to take on this vital task.

Khurshid Hadi

Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2018