Why Nawaz Sharif first?  

Letter July 18, 2016
Nawaz Sharif must accept opposition TORs to break the deadlock

ISLAMABAD: The debate on Panama Leaks is skewed and disfigured. Advocates of one side of the debate forcefully argue to extend the scope of accountability, ostensibly to prove that they want a corruption-free world, including Pakistan. This suggestion is akin to promoting a nuclear-free world. This line of argument has many votaries, altruistically. The real purpose behind this seemingly holistic approach is to prolong the odyssey and agony to save the skin of the third-time prime minister. The opposite camp disputes this position vehemently. The opposition parties have at least nine arguments in favour of accountability of the Sharif family first.

Firstly, they argue that the fish rots from the head. If the mind is sound, the body will be healthy and robust. Secondly, the prime minister must clear his name because he is supposed to be the face of Pakistan. Thirdly, Abdul Sattar Edhi has set a marvelous example that rulers around the world, including the ones in his own country, need to follow. Nawaz cannot skip his accountability by merely paying lip service to the greatest Pakistani of our times. Fourthly, Kashmir is bleeding and crying for support from Pakistan wherein the PM is morally and physically incapacitated. The world will not listen to a tainted leader who lives like an emperor while the people find it hard to make ends meet. Fifthly, Nawaz is supposed to lead by example instead of precept. Sixthly, the terms of reference (TOR) dialogue has proven to be the malicious intention of the chief executive. The opposition TORs are in the larger interest of the PM and the country. Seventhly, a chilling wave of uncertainty has gripped the country with some people calling upon the COAS to take over the reins of power. Panama Leaks-based uncertainty is a national security threat to the teetering state ruled by predators without compunction. Eighthly, the PM has lost moral ground, which makes him unfit to rule a nuclear power besieged by power cuts, corruption, terrorism, grinding poverty and regional tensions.

Nawaz Sharif must accept opposition TORs to break the deadlock which can sink the rulers along with the country they are supposed to love and serve. Last but not the least, a controversial PM in Edhi’s Pakistan is a disservice to the icon of humanity.

BA Malik

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2016.

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