THIS is apropos the news ‘Talk to the opposition, Saad Rafique advises PM’ (June 25). This advice to the prime minister by the PML-N leadership, though unsolicited, is worth consideration by the present government, which is in its straight 23rd month in office.

It is clear to all and sundry that if the political leadership desires to come to grips with the current issues facing the country, such as the coronavirus pandemic, the locust attack, the downward economy, the growing unemployment, the return of overseas expatriates (mostly from the Gulf and elsewhere), the lack of new employment opportunities and new housing units (as promised by the prime minister in his election campaign), then they should get their act together and coordinate in providing relief to the masses. They must draft a clear, well-scripted, forward-leaning trajectory for the country.

If this were not to happen and soon, the other forces or the establishment will take on an ever greater and more assertive role in the management and control of national affairs.

Just see how a meeting broadcast on the news media of the military leadership is displayed to the public. It is marked by seriousness, sobriety, a sense of purpose, and discipline, whereas in our National Assembly, Sindh Assembly and other assemblies, proceedings are often marked by rowdiness, character assassination, outright slander, and, sometimes, utter chaos.

So, which group is better positioned to lead this struggling nation to its rightful destiny?

R. Siddiqi
Lahore

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2020