Lack of restraint.

THIS past week's speeches in the National Assembly have showcased emotional outbursts by lawmakers. As political temperatures soar and conspiracy theories gain momentum, it appears that no one is willing to pull their punches. Rhetoric and personal attacks between political opponents were at an all-time high as speeches peppered with all shades of criticism were delivered. Among these was one by Prime Minister Imran Khan in which he resorted to remarks that feature so often in his public addresses: he vowed to go after 'cartels and mafias'; blamed past governments for the mess 'inherited' by his dispensation; railed against political opponents for 'corruption and lies'; and mocked the accent of PPP leader and MNA Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. Notably, Mr Khan's speech was made in the absence of the opposition members, who had walked out of the house after a verbal clash with treasury members following the completion of the budget process. Mr Khan's verbal onslaught appears to be a tit-for-tat response to opposition parties' criticism of his governance. The prime minister must be aware that, while the opposition is criticising him and creating hurdles where it can, it is hardly in a position to oust him. Despite this knowledge, their campaign against him appears to have rattled the prime minister, and he is continuing to spend his energy making tedious, repetitive speeches about how those across the aisle have allegedly failed the country.

Since he came to power two years ago, Mr Khan has repeatedly talked about tackling...