Political crisscross

Pakistan’s politics is passing through a make-or-break phase. Lack of intolerance, defiance to the constitution and law, and ad hoc decisions made in personal capacity are toiling on our face. This is why the concern is across the board, as to how to come out of the deadly phase and chalk out a strategy that could save the system from being derailed. A lot is in the spotlight such as the holding of elections in two provinces, as per the dictates of the constitution within 90 days, the street agitation of the PTI that at times goes over the board, and at the same time the indiscriminate use of force by state authorities. These issues have jumbled up a scenario of confrontation and astute vengeance. This impasse is in need of being broken, and congeniality restored.

The high-powered meets, of late, by the civil and military leadership have come up with some spontaneous observations. Their proposition to hold provincial and national elections simultaneously will be tested under the litmus of constitutional provisions. The parliament could show the way but again that will be subjective to the law in vogue. No attempt shall be made to derail or defer the democratic process. Secondly, the resolve of the powers-that-be that none should be allowed to take law in their hands, and smear campaigns against the army, judiciary and state functionaries is intolerable is a given omen. That implementation should be across the board, in an attempt to redress grievances of those sitting on the fences out of the power corridors.

A quick-fix suggestion to ban the PTI, for its alleged jingoism, is myopic. We have not learnt from history. Banning of NAP, MQM, Jeay Sindh Movement, TLP and others have ended up as a flak on our faces. All of them are alive and kicking in their renewed circumference, and enjoy public support. Thus, a similar misadventure with the PTI would only vindicate its current stance. The approach should be to come up with a level-playing field under the ambit of law and constitution, and let the people decide.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2023.

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