IT is really disappointing to see how politics in Pakistan has become so divided and petty over the last decade. Instead of encouraging people to be critical thinkers, it seems to be pushing everyone to just follow the crowd. The recent exit of a senior leader from the main opposition party is a perfect example.

He was a strong voice for the party when it was facing tough times, but when he started criticising things within the party, he was thrown out, and subsequently faced extreme online hate from his former supporters.

It is strange because people who leave other parties are often welcomed, but if you leave the party in question, you get hammered by trolls. This seems to be only because of the incarcerated leader of the said party. His kind of leadership stops people from thinking critically, or having an honest discussions. The country needs leaders who are focussed on solving problems. The constant focus on personal gain is getting us nowhere.

This is only serving the interest of the select few. We need leaders who truly care about the country and its people.

Anwar Sayab Khan
Bannu

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2025