Political pulls and push

What is of importance at this time is to maintain law and order, and let constitutionalism triumph

Prime Minister Imran Khan is in a decisive phase of his political career. His government is in rough waters and if defections in his party are any criterion, he is short of the required number of votes to defeat the no-confidence motion brought by the opposition. This situation is not only fraught with consequences but also qualified enough to breed political unrest and chaos. In fact, that is what is happening in the federal capital as hordes of MNAs reportedly belonging to the ruling PTI are holed up in the Sindh House and other havens, sending across clear cut signals of dissent. Notwithstanding the moral perspective, on which these defectors seem to have lost face, their tilting on either side of the divide will seal the fate of future political order.

In this catch-22 situation, what is required is astute acumen and resilience on the part of both the government and the opposition. The defection syndrome is reflective of the fact that legislators were not pleased with governance, and nursed grievances. At the same time, what is up for debate and contested is the way in which these parliamentarians were being held at an official place under the supervision of a province that is at odds with the federal government. This aspect has bred bad blood, and furthered instability at a time when polarisation is at its peak. It has also led to misgivings and allegations of use of easy money to forcibly change political loyalties. This is one of the most unfortunate rituals in our political midst, and has led to weakening of institutions and erosion of faith in elected representatives.

What is of utmost importance at this point of time is to maintain the law and order situation, and let the constitutional route triumph. The good point is that the Prime Minister in consultation with the Speaker is weighing constitutional options, and hasn’t opted for brinkmanship in playing to the gallery, while dealing with rogue MNAs. An early summoning of the National Assembly session will be helpful in scaling down the political temperature, and at the same time enable the legislators to act as per their conscience.

While this upcoming week coincides with high-profile happenings, such as the convening of the OIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting and dignitaries on call to attend the Pakistan Day celebrations, it’s time to call off political long marches and show of strength. Hope political partisanship will be put aside to uphold national interests, and that too when the chips are down on the economic front.

As a credit to the Prime Minister, he has set a good precedent by not lending ears to calls for slapping Governor’s Rule in Sindh. Nor has he opted for an appeasement policy by promising rewards and ministries to the turncoats. This has put him on a sound-footing, and it is hoped that good sense will prevail as political arm-twisting comes to an end, and the parliamentarians take a call on the no-confidence motion. There is much room for a consensus even now, and it would be advisable to seek a middle ground, and step back from the brink.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 19^th, 2022.

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