Sir: Tragic and fatal road accidents and fires results in loss of many precious lives have become a daily routine in our country. Armed robberies and mugging of general public is on the rise. Strikes by young doctors and paramedical staff for regularisation of their service and strikes by goods and oil transporters create havoc for the general public. However, the government seems to be less interested in a resolving these issues than saving and strengthening its own position in the name of democracy. The entourage of ministers and members of the house all seem focused on saving and defending one family, completely ignoring their duty to fulfill their obligation of providing health, education, safety and security to the public. When opposition parties protest at the excesses and failure of the government in fulfilling their democratic obligations, the ruling members accuse them of hatching conspiracy to derail democracy and hinder progress. The second president of the USA, John Adam had rightly said that the declaration that people are hostile to the government made and run by themselves for themselves is an insult. Given the crises our country, both ruling and opposition parties need to stop defending individuals and families no matter what the crime, and forge a unity to face and solve multiple issues that have gripped our country. RAJA SHAFAATULLAH Islamabad Published in Daily Times, August 4th 2017.