The Pakistani Spectator

The Shahbaz has started to fly from crest to crest, from Rahim Yar Khan to Attock, and he has got a tall order in front of him. Not only he has to make do for the rampant bloopers of the past regime, he has also got to make merit an order of the day. What he has in front of him is the Himalaya of problems, but then Shahbaz is meant for the highest of the highest peaks.

Shahbaz Sharif’s hallmark is his relentless fight against the mafias in every walk of life. In his previous regime, he gave a tough time to these mafias and people of Punjab still remember his services in that regard, and wistfully expect from him the same performance with new vigor and at the speed of light. His grandiose deeds in the sectors of health, education, poverty-reduction, agriculture, infrastructure development and social welfare are still there, though in shambles due to the sheer and criminal neglect of the Pervaiz Elahi government.

The only problem with Shahbaz Sharif during his previous regime was his dictatorial style rule. This time he has also got a semi-hostile coalition partner with him, and the media is watching his every step with Pervez Musharraf and his dying PML-Q desperately trying to find some leverage for mudslinging. So Shahbaz Sharif has to be tolerant and he has to be more open to suggestions, debates and discussion. He should involve and engage the PPP members and ministers, and he needs to mend his ways with the governor Salman Taseer.

And Shahbaz Sharif can do it.