The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif, is a namesake who truly lives up to his name—he is not just noble (Sharif) by name but also noble in deed. In the system of the state, he is the only personality who, despite being the Chief Executive, runs the hybrid system of governance with a smile, without a frown on his forehead. He has had firm belief for the past four decades that through hard work and sincerity, Pakistan’s fate can be changed and illuminated. He is hopeful that if they continue working with their heads down, one day real civilian rule will truly be established. He also understands that it is due to the incompetence of politicians and poor governance that the state is in crisis. He is the only leader of the PML-N whose relationship of friendship and contact with the establishment never weakened, even during times of conflict. Since day one till today, he believes that the army is the backbone of the state and that only together can politicians and the military steer the country’s ship to safety.

A few days ago, the Prime Minister of Pakistan inaugurated the Business Express Train from Lahore to Karachi on the invitation of Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi. Along with many prominent journalists, this “notorious one” was also invited. The Prime Minister met everyone warmly and individually, although he seemed a bit downcast, and his usual glow was missing—perhaps due to exhaustion or work pressure. Nevertheless, during his speech, the Prime Minister said he does not mind criticism… As soon as these words came out of his mouth, two or three fellow journalists publicly pointed in this notorious one’s direction, indirectly drawing the Prime Minister’s attention, as if to say: “This is the infamous and impudent one who criticizes you.” The Prime Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, has a discerning eye—“those who notice, have a gaze of doomsday”—he caught on instantly. In his speech, he promptly clarified that the mention was not of this unnamed or notorious person, nor is there any grievance against them—they may write whatever they wish, it’s up to them. He also said that even when his speech was torn apart before the elections, he did not object. For this comment, the Prime Minister’s magnanimity should be appreciated; otherwise, the atmosphere is so stifling these days that not only major figures but even their cronies begin hurling abuses at well-meaning advice. Differences of opinion are seen as personal feuds.

The Prime Minister is indeed noble that, despite being the Chief Executive and Prime Minister of the whole country, neither the Chief Minister of Punjab was present with him, nor the Chief Secretary, nor the IG Police. Although protocol demands that when the Prime Minister visits Lahore, the province’s top administration should accompany him. This same indifference from Punjab was also seen during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit, where the tradition of courtesy meetings with the President was virtually abolished. Call it arrogance, pride, or extreme busyness—this trend is a danger signal for the unity of the federation. If Sindh and Balochistan were to start reciprocating this attitude toward Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, then what honor would remain for Punjab’s Prime Minister? When Nawaz Sharif went on a visit to Sindh, Asif Zardari had sent Bilawal Bhutto to accompany him and convey goodwill everywhere. The laxity or mistake on the part of the Punjab government, wherever it is stemming from, must be rectified immediately. Today’s Prime Minister is noble; if tomorrow’s is not, it could provoke negative reactions, and meaningful questions may arise about Punjab’s arrogance.

The noble Prime Minister was born in Lahore, raised there, did business there, and began his political career from there, ultimately climbing to the highest peaks of power and authority. From governing Punjab, he earned titles like “good governance” and “Shahbaz speed.” When he ascended to the seat of power in the city of Kufa, he was already well aware of the difference and distinction between Lahore and Kufa. Therefore, he formed a cabinet of his own choice, consisting mostly of loyal bureaucrats. Through his trusted team, he resolved to conquer Kufa. His experienced, battle-tested, and wise player, Tauqeer Shah, was given a political position and advisory badge, making him in-charge of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Ahad Cheema from the Lahore Development Authority was made his trusted minister, tasked with keeping an eye on every minister and their projects. For matters of information, his family-affiliated Attaullah Tarar was given responsibility. The legal portfolio was handed to his family confidant and top lawyer Azam Nazir Tarar. Young journalist Huzaifa Rehman was also made a Minister of State due to his advice. Apparently, this team of his own choosing should have shone brighter in Islamabad than Lahore. Punjab’s cabinet used to be politically dominant, whereas in the federal cabinet, political elements are as scarce as salt in flour. However, in the city of power, Kufa, the Prime Minister’s “favorite,” “tested,” and “magical” team is still trying to plant the flag of success. Neither politics is happening, nor long-term political decisions. The sugar export-import scandal happened under this team’s watch—surely someone must take responsibility. The rumors spreading regarding crypto—who will address them? Some defend the noble Prime Minister by saying he is like a grain crushed between two grinding stones—state oppression on one side and party/family pressure on the other. Where can he go? Recently, industrialists and traders opened a book of complaints before the Field Marshal about FBR—so after sugar and crypto, now questions will arise on FBR reforms, and changes will follow too.

The noble Prime Minister could say that the notorious issues being pinned on him have nothing to do with him. The real matter is that the astonishing transformations expected from the Prime Minister and his tested team are not happening—and even signs of them aren’t visible. The noble Prime Minister’s past and the legacy of hard work and toil he built are so luminous that people want to see Kufa conquered just like Lahore. If the noble Prime Minister could conquer the dark alleys and blazing bazaars of Lahore, why can’t he wipe out the traces of Kufa from the Margalla Hills and truly make it Islamabad?