PML-N Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in their meetings in London have agreed to fully implement all the clauses of Charter of Democracy (CoD), signed by the two parties some sixteen years ago, and finalise a roadmap for the future with consensus of all democratic forces.
The thirty-six point CoD is undeniably an important document as it greatly helped achieve political stability in the country.
As a result of this, we saw both the PPP and the PML-N completing their respective tenures in the period between 2008 and 2018.
Given current political polarisation, it is need of the hour to not only fully implement the CoD but also bring more parties into its fold, especially the PTI.
The country cannot afford political turmoil as already we are faced with immense economic challenges.
Allowing the situation to linger on will only contribute to uncertainty and discourage investors to come to Pakistan.
We therefore will suggest the leadership of both the PML-N and the PPP to also engage with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf and all of them have to rise above their egos and petty political interests to bring down the political temperature.
It is only through negotiations that matters including conduct of general elections can be sorted out.
The CoD rather needs to be made more comprehensive by making economy part of it.
Whilst demonstrating maturity, all political parties must commit that they will not politicise the issue of economy either sitting on treasury or opposition benches.
The people are fed up of the rhetoric of holding previous government responsible for dire economic situation.
Similarly, people cannot be hoodwinked when opposition parties criticise the sitting government for increase in the prices of petroleum products.
Since our country is dependent on import of petroleum products, hence any sitting government will have to adjust the prices as per trend in the international market.
But it is only through collective wisdom, a way can be found to provide relief to the common man.
The situation warrants seeking fresh mandate from the people but before that political parties must reach a consensus on election related legislation as well as other important matters to take the country towards political stability as only then goal of sustainable economic growth can be achieved.
