IN a television interview, Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose government is under pressure due to political attacks by the opposition and unbridled inflation, spoke in a confident manner on issues of concern both to the Government and the masses. In a sign of unbending and uncompromising attitude towards the challenge being thrown by his political opponents, the Prime Minister categorically declared that he would prefer holding fresh elections but would not give NRO to anyone. Similarly, he candidly acknowledged that the uncontrolled price-hike was the biggest issue for the people saying that the issue gives him sleepless nights.
The main target of the Prime Minister was understandably the opposition, which has launched a protest campaign and is drawing the attention of the people as it focuses on problems being faced by them on a day-to-day basis. No one would differ from the PM that the process of accountability should be taken to its logical conclusion as this was the main plank of his election campaign in the 2018 general election. There is also no doubt that the Prime Minister is sincere in his thinking and actions and considers to be honest as no one could raise an accusing finger towards him during the last two years of governance. However, the fact remains corruption is rampant in the entire system of governance and people are more interested in elimination of corruption in public dealing departments like judiciary, police, district administration, revenue, irrigation, taxation, gas and electricity companies. The question arises what the Government has done to rid these institutions and entities of corruption and corrupt practices? Can any citizen get electricity or gas connection without palm-greasing? Can anyone get even an FIR registered without bribing concerned officials? Can anyone get a land record on payment of just an officially approved fee? These are the issues that need the attention of the Government besides its focus on corruption at top level. The Prime Minister vowed to hold fresh elections declaring that he would return with absolute majority but the ground situation sends confusing signals. Election could prove to be a big challenge in the given situation when people are flocking to the rallies of the opposition in the backdrop of price-hike especially those of food items, rising tariff of utilities and growing unemployment coupled with termination of services of government employees. Imran Khan has pledged to bring down prices in a week or so and one hopes he would live up to the commitment as such a development would also deprive the opposition of one of the propaganda tools at its public meetings.
