United by fire

One of the key lessons to take home from the recently concluded war with India is that when all institutions of the state are working together for a good cause the results are usually positive. Unlike the usual standoff over petty matters which is unfortunately the standard practice today, one saw a rare meeting of minds by both civil and military institutions. The role and advantages of a free and credible media was also emphasised and one hopes that this advantage will be strengthened in the future. We need to internalise the model set during this period, showing that we are capable of being a mature and restrained nation that has the ability to act rationally and not be provoked by irresponsible and emotional outbursts.

The time is ripe for the leaders of all political parties to forego their personal egos and work towards a common goal which ensures a prolonged period of national stability, centred on the wellbeing of the people. Once this meeting of minds has been achieved, the prime minster should call a collective meeting off all political parties with members of the security forces and chalk out a new policy. The policy should address all those sensitive issues that are hindering our potential to develop as a truly democratic entity. Should we able to achieve this, we would not only have won the war, but would be well on our way to win the greater battles that lie ahead

Kamal Hyat

Lahore