Marshalling values

Legislators’ are re-orienting their political positions. The calling of a day by Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar is apparently the first initiative to draw lines on stated values of public representation. The PPP leader decided to step down from the upper house reportedly after crossing swords with his political hierarchy, which was not very happy with his inclination over an issue that had stirred a debate on human rights and the alleged role of invisible quarters. Khokhar had publicly condemned the mistreatment meted out to his colleague, Senator Azam Swati, by FIA as he was strip-teased, and especially over the condemnable video leak, which is widely seen as a blot on human conscience. The conviction and courage that Khokhar exhibited did not go well with the defined narrative of the PPP, which is at the helm of affairs these days. The point that the Senator preferred to step down over an issue concerning high moral grounds is laudable in a society that has become accustomed to compromises.

This resignation could be read on a wider canvas as the ousted PTI, under former PM Imran Khan, had called on the Senate Chairman to resign over his slow pace of action concerning Swati. Though a Senate inquiry committee has been formed, it did not serve the purpose of responsible retribution in due time. Likewise, the meeting of another PPP stalwart Aitzaz Ahsan with Khan is an indication that conscience, values and practical political approach is making inroads over blindly toeing of party positions. This is a departure in conventional politics, and the good point as far as public assertiveness is concerned is the fact that lawmakers are willing to make a resounding point when it comes to collective social responsibility.

Notwithstanding the PTI narrative, which is very loud and uncompromising on many issues, and its regrettable approach on institutions, it is high time issue-based politics took roots in Pakistan. Khokhar and his likes must marshal for a pluralistic and law-abiding representative society.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2022.

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