Watch the steps…

Ground realities in the country are in a state of flux. For some it’s a volte-face, and for others it is fait accompli. But what is desired are efforts to normalise the situation and that too within the framework of law and the Constitution. The statement from the military spokesman that there is no possibility of imposing martial law in the wake of violent protests was quite reassuring. The ISPR chief, in an interview with a private channel, went on to negate the rumours that some top-ranking army officials have resigned and are in revulsion with the leadership. This is soothing to hear and is a great relief, as a strong and impregnable military is sine qua non for Pakistan’s stability and security. Whatever may be the lopsided version of the political narrative, the fact that people of Pakistan stand with the armed forces and are proud of their sacrifices is a novel chapter in their national resilience. Let that be a rest assured case.

Politics, nonetheless, is in a troublesome zone. All that is desired is stability and that can only come if two fundamentals of civil society are adhered to — one, recourse to dictates of Constitution; and two, an unconditional dialogue on the political horizon. The piecemeal relief that is there from the judiciary in this hour of torpedo and trial is most welcome, and it reminds us of the indispensable necessity of rule of law. The manner in which the IHC and LHC have come to uphold basic rights of citizens by granting them bails, suspending cases under MPO, and calling upon both the sides to restrain is a worthy initiative. This is how civil society can relieve itself as politics takes a volatile pitch.

Let state institutions dispense their constitutional duties, and the executive fall in line as ordained. That is how we can sort out the mess that we are in these days. With the military sticking to its job of ensuring security and the courts dilating their piece of mind, it’s time for an agitating opposition on the streets and the sitting government to watch their steps. Furthering the hullabaloo is suicidal.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2023.

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