Toning down the confrontation

There is some truth in former PML-N leader Javed Hashmi’s contention that Pakistan is facing its worst-ever crisis as the country stumbles through a series of landmines in the political and constitutional arenas. Unfortunately, from the actions of our political leaders, it would appear that our struggles are more self-created than thrown by the hands of fate alone. From the unwillingness of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz to accept apex court rulings on the Panama Papers to the fissures within different institutions of the state and from the confrontationist politics of many mainstream political groupings such as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to the narrow, venal interests of parties that hold the national agenda hostage by blocking the implementation of Fata reforms and the broader National Action Plan, we have allowed the power of the state to be whittled down. Then there is the lingering civil-military divide that permits foreign powers to ratchet up pressure on the country — weakening the national economy and morale leaving us hamstrung on other key issues as well.

On all sides, political confrontation has become as pronounced as ever precipitated by the impending prospect of fresh elections and no mainstream party would want to miss taking a random swipe at the other. An escalation in tensions is the last thing Pakistan needs. At this point there is little realisation among political leaders that constant badgering of political opponents by verbal sparring has consequences. It lowers the esteem of politicians and disenchants politics in the eyes of the public. This is again pointless in a country that has a history of repeated military interventions and weak democratic traditions. Political leaders should ensure that no space is allotted to non-democratic forces now or ever.

Whether it is Maryam Nawaz or one-time PML-N stalwart Javed Hashmi , outbursts against state institutions are unjustified and totally unacceptable. These institutions are, in fact, working within their constitutional limitations and have great respect for one another; it will benefit the country if efforts to undermine the institutions are kept in check. There must be a genuine, robust effort to take the country out of a state of perpetual anarchy. And behind that cause we expect all citizens to rally round.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2017.

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