End of a tumultuous era

The 15^th National Assembly in the country’s history was dissolved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday night, marking the end of his 16 months tumultuous era. It was the third elected lower house to complete its tenure in the chequered political history of parliamentary democracy. However, this august house, like the previous two assemblies, saw a change of guard as Imran Khan was ousted on the floor of the house through a no-confidence motion. The 13-party coalition government that took on the reins of power in April 2021, nonetheless, was marred with abject instability, a plummeted economy and pestering confrontation. This period also saw another elected prime minister disqualified and sent behind bars in a case that is still being contested in the dock. Likewise, Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces already under a caretaker set-up for the last eight months, the electoral mosaic is ripe for a ballot.

The saner representative voices that emanated from the lower house and Senate over the last few days have called for polls within the stipulated constitutional dictum. However, there is a lingering ambiguity as to whether they will be held as per 2023 Census or take their route as demarcated currently. This puts the ball in the Election Commission’s court which will be watched closely by forces who are in favour of upholding adult franchise, without playing to the gallery. With political canvas in mess, it is only an ordained, timely, and free and fair polls that will usher in a new lease of national life. The upcoming caretaker government will be in the spotlight and no amount of excuses or delaying tactics will be helpful at a time when local and international businesses are craving for serenity.

The two dispensations that were at the roost in the last five years saw many somersaults. Economic uncertainty and polarisation in the social realms were its distinguishable marks, with confidence of the masses being at its lowest ebb. It also witnessed crossing of swords among the organs of the state, as stakeholders were seen puzzled in taking positions. The curtain must come down on such a state of affairs, and that is only possible if the Constitution rides supreme.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2023.

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