POLITICAL polarisation in Pakistan is getting out of hand. The latest example is that of an opposition politician’s interview on the BBC in which he made baseless allegations. The man made himself the object of ridicule as he was reluctant to disclose his assets. At the same time, he kept accusing the government of lack of accountability, failure to maintain law and order and of committing human rights violations. Besides, he frequently mentioned that the opposition would topple the government.

This level of polarisation is a significant threat to democracy. The nation feels that it has been short-changed because the problems faced by the common man are not being addressed. The people want a welfare state. They have had enough of false promises. They are least bothered about what the leaders of the political parties think of each other, or have to say about each other.

The opposition should realise that its allegations are tarnishing the image of Pakistan. It needs to refrain from undertaking actions that may affect the peace and stability of the country. It is time the government and the opposition made peace and worked together to tackle the problems that afflict the country.

Ghazanfar Ali

Shikarpur

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2020