Reconciliation saves coalition

In the midst of growing uncertainty about the mutual bonds of trust and long-term common agenda on domestic and external policies, so vital to inspire the confidence of the nation and international community for building the required image of hope for the future of Pakistan as a democratic, forward-looking Islamic liberal welfare state, the Wednesday meeting at Islamabad comprising of heads of the political parties in the ruling coalition, concluded with a positive message of hope.

The consensus amongst the participants regarding the present challenges faced by the nation reflects the statesmanship of the coalition leaders, which ended in a cordial environment of the marathon session. There were apprehensions by some who express them candidly. They complained for not being included in major policy decision making. They demanded PPP to honour the commitments made prior to and after the February 18 elections. This was perfectly in order as it should be in a democratic alliance and much more so in the case of a fragile alliance with different manifestos as in the present case. But it is gratifying to note that the combined leadership of the coalition government rose to the occasion, considering the gravity of the threat to Pakistan’s national security.