TO hold multiparty conference, create grand alliances and take out rallies against a sitting government is nothing new. It has been the practice of opposition parties in our country for a long time.

It is considered an effective way to destabilise a sitting government. Such tactics make the government focus all its energies on preserving its position in power instead of working for the masses.

This is where it all gets off the rails. While the opposition keeps finding new ways to corner the government to succumb to pressure and make way for snap elections, the government should focus on serving people. It can actually strengthen the rule of a sitting government

For example, in the current situation, the PTI government should try to control inflation, create jobs, improve the security situation, and be open-minded about facing valid criticism.

It should ensure relief for the farmers for the Rabi crop as well as for the industrialists to kick-start the economy instead of attempting to marginalise the opposition by all possible means.

Such positive actions would strengthen its roots in people and give it more stability.

Coleridge rightly said that “it is in giving, that we receive”. The politicians need to shed their grudges, grievance and jealousies against each other, and work for stable unity which can protect us from internal and external threats.

Raja Shafaatullah
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2020