TWO opposition parties had once again been creating chaos in the country, announcing sit-ins, protests and long marches amid a severe economic crisis triggered by regional and global currents. One was calling for reduction in fuel prices at a time when the whole world is experiencing inflationary trends, while the other was consumed solely by the idea of somehow getting freed its leader jailed for corruption and involvement in multiple legal cases. Social media popularity and the ability to gather a few thousand people do not establish legal innocence. Courts decide cases in the light of evidence and law. What it all resulted in the end is for all to see.

Using street power to influence legal proceedings or administrative decision-making is the easiest recipe for creating social chaos, ultimately leaving everyone, especially the weak, unprotected. The nation stands exhausted by repeated protests, recalling the sit-in and protest march of the past. Such movements never reduce bread or electricity prices, create jobs, or improve hospitals and schools.

Instead, political instability contributes to economic damage, currency depreciation, uncertainty for investors, and a worsening international image. The cost extends beyond traffic disruptions and closed shops. Every day of protest, sit-in, or long march is a day lost for development, education and economic progress. With Pakistan already struggling to catch up, continued protests and parliamentary paralysis make it harder for the country to recover and move forward.

The government must be held accountable. The opposition, indeed, has a vital role to play. But that role must be played in the right way at the right forum. The opposition should propose alternatives. It should point out the flaws in government policy. It should offer solutions. It should use parliament as the platform for this. It should use the media to educate the public. It should use peaceful and legal means to make its voice heard. What it should not do is to hold the country hostage. What it should not do is to create chaos for the sake of creating chaos. What it should not do is to put its own political interests first.

The people of Pakistan want leaders who can think beyond the next election. They want ones who think about the next generation. They want leaders who understand that their actions have consequences. This is what mature politics looks like.

Abdul Basit Alvi
Muzaffarabad

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2026