Ruckus and reconciliation
In another ceremonial address to the joint sitting of the parliament, once again marred with conventional pandemonium, the Head of the State has called for taking a pause and reflecting on national priorities. While President Asif Ali Zardari underscored the need for moving away from politics of polarisation, he did not mince any words on how to tackle with the body politick in the wake of divisive and controversial elections of February 8. Likewise, neither there was an olive branch to the opposition which is gearing up for an agitational phase, nor any mention of hundreds of incarcerated political leaders from a person of visionary repute who had enthralled reconciliatory trends as his legacy.
The session, called in pursuance of Articles 54(1) and 56(3) of the Constitution, nonetheless, had many firsts to register. It was President Zardari’s seventh address to the bicameral legislature, as he made history by being sworn in for a second term. But on the other side of the divide, politics was as usual irrespective of the fact whether the dignitary at the podium is either Ghulam Ishaq Khan, Farooq Leghari, Mamnoon Hussain or Arif Alvi. The constant in our electoral politics to gang up against the federation head on is a sign of decay, and has led to deterioration of values in laying the foundations of a sound parliamentary culture.
The President, standing fast against the ruckus, rightly said, “Let us not confuse constructive disagreement and healthy noises of a growing democracy with the pursuit of zero-sum thinking.” This must be read as the silver-lining for the parliamentarians, and they must rub shoulders to address critical issues such as soaring poverty and fragmentation of society. The sermon pointed out that terrorism, CPEC, climate change and constitutional reforms are other areas that should solicit the elected houses’ due attention. It is indispensable if the system in vogue has to pass the litmus test of credibility and competence.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2024.
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