Sir: Pakistan is charging itself for another election. The PTI and other right-wing parties are roaring, boasting their victory for these elections. The so-called left-wingers are, once again, posing hypocritically as if they believe in the rights of the marginalised segment of society. Horse trading is in full swing, turncoats are sniffing around to make the most of this increased activity. The ruling political elite have put all principles of morality aside and opportunism can be seen scaling new heights. The dictator who put Pakistan in the line of fire is struggling to find his voice and is shamelessly making hollow claims about his electoral success. It seems that the fate of 180 million Pakistanis is up for grabs and cunning thugs are jumping to get their impure hands on them. The physical and spiritual progeny of former despot General Ziaul Haq can be seen with its greedy mouth drooling with lust for power. What a pity! A beautiful land is under siege by characterless scum who wear the masks of religion, nationalism and dream selling. This filthy business is in full swing but, hold on, let us not forget that there is always a dawn after the darkness. In this ocean of looters, there are some islands of hope. Such idealists, who are still holding on to their principles of honesty and probity, are the saving graces of this nation. I am tired of all those who have undefeatable faith in themselves, thinking that they will ultimately emerge victorious. The fate of the country will be decided in the coming few weeks. It is the greatest duty of all Pakistanis, particularly young Pakistanis, to spurn the old mantras of these gangs of plunderers disguised as politicians. Pakistan is bleeding and it needs someone with genuine credentials, someone with vision, someone trustworthy, someone with character, someone who is aware of the stemming corruption, someone who lives like a commoner and someone who does what he says. The youth of Pakistan holds the key. MALIK ATIF MAHMOOD MAJOKA Melbourne, Australia