Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government is undoubtedly facing a political and economic crisis which requires strategic decisions. Yet, the prime minister along with his cabinet jets off to Saudi Arabia to attend a climate change summit, leaving behind a rapidly worsening situation.
The opposition alliance PDM, led by PML-N and JUI-F, is holding protest rallies for the next two weeks across the country against the rising inflation. The PPP and other parties held demonstrations and slammed the government for its handling of the situation. The masses, who have been the worst affected by rising prices, were distracted over the weekend by watching a cricket match with India.
There was carnage on the streets as enraged activists of the banned TLP threatened to march on the federal capital. The interior minister, who was on a weekend getaway to watch the match, had to return home abruptly and defuse the situation. As the government used all high-handed tactics to stop the protestors, it had no option but to negotiate with the proscribed outfit.
It has a norm for such fringe groups to unleash chaos on the streets and bring life to a standstill. The TLP is known for its violent protests which resulted in the recent death of three policemen. The state, however, allowed them to hold protests and agreed to withdraw all cases. The interior minister claims that talks with the outfit were successful but the dealings have never been placed before the nation.
The prime minister needs to take strategic decisions under these circumstances. Civil-military ties are not ideal after the spy chief’s appointment is yet to be notified. The summary was expected to be signed on Friday but has been put on hold for inexplicable reasons until the prime minister returns. The economic conditions are worsening and talks with the IMF seemed to have failed despite official claims. Even if the negotiations are successful, Pakistanis should brace for even tougher conditions.
The true test of a great leader lies during adversity and taking strategic decisions. The government has enough fires to fight and two of the nation’s cities – Islamabad and Lahore – were on the tenterhooks for days. It was an ideal moment to take important decisions which could have shown that the government was serious in tackling the crises facing the nation.
