REFERENCE I.A.Rehman`s article `The challenge to the PM` (Sep 24), wherein he says: `In all probability, the PM was referring to an extra-constitutional change and in that case the target would be the democratic system, perhaps a more serious issue than Mr. Nawaz Sharif`s future.

One would tend to disagree with the writer`s contention for the following reasons: 1) The existing political scenario doesn`t seem to support his statement. (2) If the PM is hinting at the opposition, he shouldn`t have any such apprehensions from the existing opposition owing to its being in disarray itself. The major opposition party the PPP is obliged to the PM for his unflinching support throughout the tenure of the last government. Now, it`s the PPP`s turn topay back thatfavour.Ifallthe parties in the opposition join hands (which would be nothing short of a miracle), even then he`d be able to manoeuvre and bring some parties into his fold.

(3) If the PM is pointing to an extraconstitutional change, then the army is already overstretched in view of its involvement in Karachi, Zarb-i-Azb, the eastern and western borders of the country, etc.

But still, a tricky situation could develop if the army starts a full-fledged operation against corrupt politicians and bureaucrats in Punjab and other provinces. It would be a mistake on the army`s part to delay such an action. People in the media are already demanding it. Once, such an action is taken, then only time would tell as to what would be the response of Punjab.

After the sit-ins and political rigmarole for the last more than two years, it appears that panacea for the PML-N lies in changing the existing faulty election system.It would be better if the option of the presidential form of government is considered.

Air Cdre (R) Azfar A Khan Rawalpindi