A little bit of everything

This refers to the article ‘Imran’s Chinese whispers’ (July 4). It is indeed concerning that Prime Minister Imran Khan is giving out statements on fundamental ideological issues quite casually. There seems to be some dissonance between his personal views coming out publicly and our state policies, creating a confusion that can be expected from such ‘Chinese whispers’. It is worrisome to hear our PM, almost wistfully, talk about the merits of an authoritarian regime. Whether it is about the concept of rape or the type of government, it seems that we are regressing into a superficial narrative. Democracy might require patience to get things done, but it also allows the freedom and protection of human rights. There is a segment of our population that reverently follows anything said by our PM. This immense influence and power to shape the ideology of our people should be wielded with responsibility. How can our PM expect young people to create a positive image of the country when he is adamant to go on a path which is increasingly sounding as ‘anti-West’. It sounds like a desperate attempt to search for our unique identity as a nation. What is wrong with having a little bit of something from everyone? Perhaps that is who we are with our English and Urdu and our T-shirts and kameez – a meeting of the East and the West.

Mariam Khan

Lahore