FROM collapse to rebirth, phoenix-like. If the discussions and chatter are to be believed, the collapsed system is gearing up to save the country and its people by ‘devolution’. If, in the process, the system saves itself, it would presumably just be a bonus. In reality, however, this may just be the ‘real’ reason.

After all, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s confession about a system that had collapsed was accompanied by a warning about the ‘cockroaches’ getting together and overturning it all. And if the solution is to introduce devolution, it stands to reason it is about preserving the system as much as it is about delivering to the people.

It seems many of those who are convinced of the need for this self-preservation have kick-started a debate about local government or new provinces. From discussions on media, seminars and ‘news’ via sources, there is only one issue on the political horizon. And it explains how to get ‘delivery’ to the people’s doorstep. The assumption is that once this is done, terrorism, the economy, legitimacy, all will be fixed miraculously.

Over the previous couple of weeks, podcasts and talk shows have even shared some details on the possible divisions from a ‘presentation’ prepared by the powers that be. Similarly, cabinet members also jumped into the fray to support the proposal, while others simply expressed their ignorance.

Revamping the system would take far more time than those in a hurry are willing to spare.

A talk........

© Dawn