(This dialogue is purely fictional. However, if someone sees a hint of truth in it, they should dismiss the thought.)

Nawaz Sharif:
Shehbaz! It seems that for the first time, with complete support from the establishment, our government has become stable, and it looks like this government will complete its five-year term.

Shehbaz Sharif:
You are right. The victory in the war with India and then our conferring the title of Field Marshal upon General Asim Munir has greatly strengthened our bond with the establishment. On the other hand, Imran Khan and his companions keep committing blunder after blunder, which is indirectly benefiting us.

Nawaz Sharif:
Shehbaz! Your relations with the establishment are exemplary. This is greatly due to your intelligence and flexibility. But we must keep in mind that we have to give more importance to elected representatives and the cabinet. As long as we don’t allow politicians a free hand, how will we be able to counter our political opponents?

Shehbaz Sharif:
I am doing my best. We are receiving help and cooperation from the establishment, particularly from General Asim Munir. But the matter is very difficult. Taking along the establishment and politicians together is a very hard task. Every other day, we have to walk a tightrope.

Nawaz Sharif:
You are right. My experience also says the same. But along with governance, we should also focus equally on party politics. Our real foundation is our party and our politics. If this foundation weakens, our importance and necessity will also diminish.

Shehbaz Sharif:
We have to tread carefully every single day. During Imran Khan’s era, the civilian domain was entirely wiped out. That’s why this difficult task has fallen upon us. But until we make our performance exemplary, expanding the civilian space is not possible.

Nawaz Sharif:
Well, you understand dealings with the establishment better. But many of your ministers tell me that you give more importance to the bureaucracy than the ministers. Instead of relying on your political colleagues, you are completely dependent on that bureaucracy. Okay, Tauqeer Shah and Ahad Cheema did stand with us during difficult times, but as a policy, it is not appropriate to place the bureaucracy in the front row. Bureaucrats should remain in the background, and politicians should be visible in the front row so that the political face of the government remains visible.

Shehbaz Sharif:
I fully agree with all your points. But for now, the period until economic recovery is very critical. That is why it is necessary for competent officers to vet political decisions so that no legal loopholes appear tomorrow, nor should any decision seem politically motivated. The first priority for both the establishment and us is to focus all our attention on economic improvement.

Nawaz Sharif:
Absolutely right. Our political narrative should be based on better economics. If your government achieves noticeable improvement in the economy, that will become our political narrative. Why are decisions regarding the economy not being made? Why is foreign investment not coming in? Where is the problem?

Shehbaz Sharif:
Imran Khan had taken the economy to the verge of default. To avoid default, we had to seek IMF assistance. And now we have to operate under IMF conditions. Before giving any relief, we have to get IMF’s approval. Foreign investors are ready, but we will have to make constitutional amendments for legal protection. SIFC (Special Investment Facilitation Council) will have to be made investor-friendly. Until foreign investors are ensured protection to transfer profits abroad, our country cannot be attractive for investment.

Nawaz Sharif:
I think you should immediately hold a meeting with the establishment on this matter, and all administrative hurdles in improving the economy should be removed at once. If the economy does not improve, the opposition’s vote bank will increase, and your popularity will keep decreasing.

Shehbaz Sharif:
You are absolutely right. We must pay immediate attention to this.

Nawaz Sharif:
And yes, Shehbaz! Congratulations — the decision regarding reserved seats has come in our government’s favor. Now you have secured a two-thirds majority. Now, day and night, legislation should be made for public welfare. Quick justice and digital facilities for citizens must be ensured through constitutional amendments.

Shehbaz Sharif:
Yes, God willing. Now that we have the majority, we must move swiftly in lawmaking so that we can ensure social and economic changes. I request you — this year Punjab has received a development budget of 1200 to 1400 billion rupees, while after the 17th Amendment, the federal government has been left with very little development budget. Now, both MNAs and MPAs’ development programs should be completed using Punjab’s budget.

Nawaz Sharif:
Maryam is doing a very good job. She has launched over a hundred new projects. She has complete administrative control over the province. Soon, her initiatives will have a visible impact on the political atmosphere. You are right that we must consider the priorities of assembly members, but for now, it is important to focus on collective projects and new initiatives. Individual works should be prioritized in the final year.

Shehbaz Sharif:
I request you to stay more often in the federal capital, Islamabad. Your continuous contact with the PPP and Asif Zardari is essential. I maintain constant contact, but your communication can further strengthen our relations. Maulana Fazlur Rehman also has more faith in what you say.

Nawaz Sharif:
Shehbaz! You’re right, but it is you who has to run the government. I am always here to support you.

Shehbaz Sharif:
This is your given government — people are with you. I am merely running the government as your representative. The more attention you give, the more I will be able to deliver. Your experience and your popularity are our real strength.