THE general perspective is that Pakistan is going through a certain level of uncertainty.

To explain this better, let’s use an example. Consider this: there was a handsome young man who starts smoking at the age of 20.

He works and makes a decent living for his family. Fast forward 30 years, things have been going fine for him till he starts having health issues at 50.

The smoking and bad eating habits made him weak. When he goes to the doctor, he’s told to get more tests done and buy a new stock of medicine. Nothing seems to be helping. Someone recommended a doctor from the US who has returned home, the man goes to see him.

The doctor says he has a fatal disease and gives him some more medicine.

After a week or so, the man starts complaining and maligning the doctor’s reputation on social media etc. The doctor calls him in and asks why he’s discrediting him online. The man explains that he thought the doctor was a good doctor but the prescribed medicine was not working.

The doctor smiled and replied: “You smoked for 30 years, you did not exercise, you did not eat healthy and now you want to get your health back overnight? It is not that simple.

You will have to go through some painful tests followed by three surgeries, you will also have to go through acute pain and suffering each time and by the end of all this, you will start to see a ray of hope. Be prepared to go through the ordeal or you will die anyway.”

The patient here is Pakistan and the good doctor is the new government.

Omar Seljouk
Lahore

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2018