TWO opposition parties had once again been creating chaosin the country, announcing sit-ins, protests and long marches amid a severe economic crisis triggered by regional and global currents.

One was calling for reduction in fuel prices at a time when the whole world is experiencing inflationary trends, while the other was consumed solely by the idea of somehow getting freed its leader jailed for corruption and involvement in multiple legal cases. Social media popularity and the ability to gather a few thousand people do not establish legal innocence. Courts decide casesin thelight ofevidence and law. What it all resulted in the end is for all to see.

Using street power to influence legal proceedings or administrative decisionmal(ing is the easiest recipe for creating social chaos, ultimately leaving everyone, especially the weak, unprotected. The nation stands exhausted by repeated protests, recalling the sit-in and protest march of the past. Such movements never reduce bread or electricity prices, create jobs, or improve hospitals and schools.

Instead, political instability contributes to economic damage, currency depreciation, uncertainty for investors, and a worsening international image. The cost extends beyond traffic disruptions and closed shops.

Every day of protest, sit-in, or long march is a day lost for development, education and economic progress. With Pal(istan already struggling to catch up, continued protests and parliamentary paralysis make itharderforthe country to recoverand move forward.

The government must be held accountable. The opposition, indeed, has a vital roleto play. But that role must be played in the right way at the right forum. The opposition should propose alternatives. It should point out the flaws in government policy. It should offer solutions. It should use parliament as the platform for this. It should use the media to educate the public. It should use peaceful and legal means to make its voice heard. What it should not do is to hold the country hostage. What it should not do is to create chaos for the sake of creating chaos. What it should not do is to put its own political interests first.

The people of Pal(istan want leaders who can thinl( beyond the next election.

They want ones who thinl( about the next generation. They want leaders who understand that their actions have consequences.

This is what mature politics looks like.

Abdul Basit Alvi Muzaffarabad