Newly elected Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was sworn in on Wednesday in Islamabad and new provincial governments have also taken the charge. We wish the new rulers all the best.

The people of Pakistan voted in the general elections last month against a backdrop of huge challenges in the energy sector, the law and order situation and an economy in free fall. Now, they have high expectations from their new government to address these crises urgently in order to provide some relief to the common people. There seem to be some efforts in this direction. In Punjab, the new chief minister announced Thursday that farmers will be provided with solar-powered tube wells.

Before that the new chief minister in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa announced the introduction of a uniform education system, which will gradually do away with the current class-based education system.

The new rulers are also making strong resolutions to rid the country of corruption. However, it is also expected that the new leaders rid themselves of corruption.

Society is besieged with myriads of problems so the new governments at the federal and provincial level must also work to address important issues like: Work to provide clean water to the public as a big segment of the population is suffering from some strain of hepatitis due to the consumption of sewage-tainted drinking water.

Initiate low-cost good quality housing projects for low-income groups as the current house rents, land and housing prices are absolutely beyond the reach of the majority of the common people. They should also build community centers where sports and health facilities are provided for the youth to keep them away from negative influences.

Rectify the lower judicial system, which is full of flaws and weaknesses. There should be speedy and inexpensive dispensation of justice.

The nation has been and is even now practically in the grip of the atrocities wrought by a combination of crime and politics. This must be eradicated completely. Above all steps should be taken to cultivate and nurture a sense of belonging among the common people. — Shaukat Ali, Dhahran