The Dec 16 lesson
Over half a century since the failures of politicians and the establishment led to civil war and the division of Pakistan, many of the same mistakes are being repeated. Unfortunately, while the successors of the major original players in the 1971 fiasco have learned lessons — some partial, some complete — a handful of new players seem intent on repeating history. The party with the most seats in parliament after the 2018 elections may claim to be a victim of political intrigue, but its fate does not parallel the 1970 election. It’s because in 1970, the Awami League, with an absolute majority, was denied its right to form a government, while modern-day saw a fractious PTI-led coalition cobbled together after a push from parts unknown, only for it to be replaced by an even broader coalition of the former opposition parties.
Let us also not forget that the PTI itself had been alienating its allies — even before ‘losing support’, junior coalition members were publicly complaining about then-prime minister Imran Khan’s failure to deliver on several promises. Meanwhile, Imran’s actions and decisions as prime minister and since losing power have been more akin to the dividers in chief. Demanding that he be allowed to rule by decree rather than through parliament; trying to game the system to remain in power despite not having a majority; refusing to let the ruling coalition govern; and warning that failure to capitulate to his undemocratic demands could lead to violence are just a few of the troubling decisions taken by the former PM over the past few weeks and months.
At the same time, the best way for the government to bring calm would be to govern well and refuse to take the bait being fired off by the former PM. Unfortunately, this has not been the case — economic crisis abound, security concerns remain, and several ministers and other coalition leaders insist on fighting fire with fire, ignoring the fact that the country is now a tinder box.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 16th, 2022.
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