FOR the last 70 years no leader in the country’s history has dared to challenge the status quo or sensitive issues related to religious extremism. In the past, many have tried but failed miserably to overcome the menace of corruption and the likes.

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s firm stance on the war against corruption and now against extremism is in the offing. The state must take its responsibilities seriously and must not allow any non-state actors or the corruption mafia to sabotage the government’s manifestos and derail country’s progress.

Mr Khan will be the first leader since Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to transform the country into a modern, democratic and Islamic nation.

The true spirit of a such a country lies in the well-being of all citizens of Pakistan regardless of cast, creed and religion. The government is equally responsible to ensure that justice is given to all Muslims and non-Muslims without being pressurised by non-state actors.

Everybody has equal rights being citizens of Pakistan.

Economic stability is directly connected with eradication of corruption and for that the government needs to overhaul the economy and fix loopholes in the bureaucratic system.

There are always some elements that want to disrupt society — entice people with anti-state and negative activities, and while freedom of expression is everyone’s constitutional right, one must remember to use it for good rather than bad. Individuals must learn to tolerate a difference of opinion.

Aamir Shah

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2018