Cost of Compromise

Ademocracy cannot survive for long if the ballot becomes merely a formality and selection becomes the real source of power. That is precisely why the PML-N-led government’s surrender of political space to the Establishment has begun to disappoint even its own workers. The question is simple: how much compromise can an elected government make before people begin to wonder who actually holds the power? Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has spent two and a half years in power avoiding any major confrontation with the Establishment. Clap, clap, clap! If he completes the rest of his term in the same fashion, he will emerge as the uncrowned king of political accommodation. But every political bargain comes with a price. The real bill may arrive when the five years are over. And the countdown is ticking.

Patriotism for the Poor

Petroleum prices keep rising—a bitter pill the people are forced to swallow, while the powers that be remain comfortably insulated from the pain. Ordinary citizens are told to endure, sacrifice and prove their patriotism by bearing ever-higher costs. And then, amid this relentless, back-breaking inflation, comes the spectacle of extravagant wedding celebrations involving the Punjab Chief Minister’s daughter. Congratulations, of course. But what greater reminder could there be of the widening gulf between the rulers and the ruled? While millions struggle to pay their bills, put food on the table and make ends meet, the privileged continue to flaunt a lifestyle that seems to belong to another country altogether. For the people, sacrifice is patriotism. For the powerful, it seems, luxury is business as usual.

PCB vs. Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan cricket has a remarkable talent for making headlines—and usually for all the wrong reasons. Much of the credit goes to the PCB, which seems to have perfected the art of sacking players and even coaching staff in the middle of a tour, then dragging them before investigative tribunals as though they were already guilty of serious wrongdoing. The players were called home largely because they had failed to perform to expectations. Fair enough. But who will hold the PCB accountable for its own failures? After all, if poor performance is grounds for dismissal, perhaps the PCB itself should answer for its record.

Grapevine