Daily Times

The voice of the people – whether dissent or approval – depends on the circumstances and the environment as well as the leadership style.

The more positive the leadership, and more conducive the environment, more satisfied and content are the people. Resistance by top leaders of political parties indicates a parting of ways with the government.

For the sake of political, social and economic stability, national reconciliation is of vital significance.

When such voices are not given weight by those who matter, there is no choice left except for confrontation.

A important question is who, among the opposition, can be an effective leader of resistance. Who is in a position to hold the government on track, especially in the context of responsibility and accountability?

Those relying on a strategy of passive resistance or reconciliation might be forced to change their mind.

Domestic reconciliation can help improve a country’s economic and social stability. In this context, the ruling party’s approach is important.

If the rulers are not prepared to forgive and forget past bitterness, the opposition may tend to be confrontational. This is particularly so when the public is not happy with the policies and performance of the new rulers.

At the end of the day, it means that the opposition takes its cue from the government.

We, in Pakistan, need to make efforts to enhance our standing in the comity of nations. Improving relations with other nations is crucial for economic stability. The regional situation defines the need for countries to understand each other’s importance in the context of peace, stability and economic and social cooperation for a way forward.

It would be sad to see projects being left incomplete. Orange Line Metro Train, for instance, looks set for another delay after the government cancelled the operation and management contract awarded by the previous government. Many flaws have been pointed out in the Orange Line plan. The previous government bears the blame for all of them.

The current government alone, however, would be at fault if it chooses to cancel the project now using technical grounds as excuses. It is hoped that the government shall not derail the project just to spite the leaders of the previous government. The vindictive power play would not be acceptable to the city of Lahore.

Devaluation of rupee and our moral decline

The prime minister must realise that the most reasonable thing to do is to respond to opposition’s protest through great performance. Getting out of the economic crisis should be the top priority. Most of the people are poor. It is difficult to make both ends meet.

The devaluation of the rupee, as well as of morals, is ruining the society. We need to evolve standards of respectability afresh to match our honourable past and our aspirations for the next generations.

We, in Pakistan, can see positive developments as natural outcomes of Pakistan becoming a global trade hub once the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is fully operational. There is a golden opportunity for the current government to get the wealthy Gulf Sheikhdoms to invest in Pakistan and help the country out of its economic crunch. All efforts should be directed to seeing that countries having friendly relations with Islamabad stay conflict-free.

All Muslim states need to stay united in the interest of regional and world peace. Pakistan has always played a significant role in this context. We need to keep a watch on local, regional and global happenings for the sake of humanity.

Pakistan stands for human rights and against discrimination, prejudice and hate.

For us in Pakistan, religion is an instrument of peace and brotherhood; not a weapon to further discrimination and hate.

Pakistan has made extreme sacrifices in the war against terrorism. The nation has resolved to continue the war on terror and to peruse a policy of anti-terrorism

A balance should be struck between emotions and realism. This principle is good for everyone, everywhere and in every field.

Let there be an end to depression. Let us turn a fresh leaf to seek positive change. Miracles do happen. Let a miracle work.

We have been debating the budget recently. For a public organisation, guiding principles remain accuracy and completeness. These principles are reflected in accountability of the government.

A governmental system may survive, in spite of the fact that it conducts its affairs badly. Does the voice of the people have an impact? Well, are we talking about real people? Our own voice? Are we?

The writer is a former director of the National Institute of Public Administration. His latest book, Existential Question for Pakistan, discusses a range of issues related to governance and policy