If the idea was to hitch a ride straight to hell, politicians in Pakistan are doing a splendid job. For, far removed from those who would not bat an eyelid before believing every word that comes out of their captain’s mouth, there remain many increasingly disgruntled by the disruptions in their routine. With another change in the game plan probably to help former prime minister Imran Khan take his sweet while in crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s, a respite from iron-clad barricades might appear in sight. But while the political scuffle has been shelved, neither side would provide any answers about the discomfort caused to the common man during the panicky act. The sit-in protests designed for the twin cities on Monday alone resulted in the suspension of emergency services, terrible traffic congestion and small-scale riots within the party ranks. Amid genuine concerns for safety, a large majority of long-route transporters refused to operate on the GT Road as traders wave the red flag about the impending food shortages as well as inflation. All this, when the people touting themselves as the true messiah seem least bothered with the dire straits. As protestors flex muscle to hold their ground, law enforcement agencies are just as hard at work: launching crackdowns and arresting political workers. Meanwhile, the writing on the wall has, for the millionth time, foreboded that general unrest is the order of the day. Political uncertainty has seldom benefitted any country, may it be its finances or confidence in the state institutions. So, when the government decided to react to popularity with sheer force instead of opening the communication lines, it automatically rubberstamped a new wave of chaos. Containers upon containers can only barricade Islamabad, not protect the citadel. The same need for reason can clearly be felt in the PTI camp, which has chosen to willingly become a nuisance in the same breath it toots the hoot of meaningful change and a Naya Pakistan. Whether the revolution would finally rise to a crescendo is yet to be seen, but until then, the old Pakistanis are still doomed to a life of diversions, delays and discomfort. *