Court-arrest drive

Politics is on the edge as instability and economic crunch looms large. The PTI’s decision to start a ‘court arrest drive’ will surely push the country towards volatility. This desperate move is apparently being taken by the party as it finds its voice scuttled, as the dispensation in power is refusing to go ahead with the constitutionally-mandated elections due in Punjab and K-P after the dissolution of their respective assemblies. Moreover, the power vacuum that has come into being since the ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan in April last year, and the subsequent resignation of lawmakers from the National Assembly has almost stalled the smooth functioning of the state business. This power fissure and rising aspect of agitation is in need of being addressed in a sophisticated political manner, and walking the constitutional path is the only way to go.

The PTI has been simmering with issues for quite some time. Its political demand is to take the country for fresh general elections, and in this pursuit, it has thrown two of its provincial governments. Moreover, the party complains that it is being victimised and the smear campaign against one of its legislators and chief whip had pushed it at the thresholds. Likewise, the arrest of Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, a senior parliamentarian, and lodging of cases against many of the party stalwarts has generated an argument that the party should take to the streets. This is why apparently Mr Khan has covertly shown his inclination to go for a countrywide protest movement in an attempt to compel the coalition government to stand down. It is a tit for tat move ripe with dire consequences at a time when the chips are down, and fragility is at its peak.

There should be a middle ground. This mess and confusion must come to an end. The talks with IMF are indicating a more horrendous picture of daily life, and it would be wise of the government to cajole an accord with the opposition. The stakes are highly pitched.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th, 2023.

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