Need to reconcile

There was much to read between the lines as a spokesperson for the armed forces hinted at a path to foment political reconciliation, given a number of ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. The salient feature, however, was a nod for setting up of a judicial commission to probe into the vandalism of May 9 last year, which has ushered in abject instability and chaos. The thrust from the Director General ISPR was that the probe should include ‘other matters’ as well, and the opposition party must repent of its confrontational attitude with the state apparatus. That was a square reminder to the PTI to opt for, what it called, ‘constructive politics’. The agreement to disagree, nonetheless, had set the ball rolling, and what eulogised the gravity of positivity is a firm stance that any such dialogue “should take place between the political parties”, as it is “not appropriate for the army to be involved”. This premise must solicit a positive response from the PTI, as there is no point in crossing the swords any further. The incarcerated former prime minister had already hinted at a dialogue, and now is the time to pick up the threads for a rapprochement in national interest.

The presser, likewise, was up to mark in pointing a finger at Afghan and Indian factors that are busy fomenting trouble, and seeing foreign involvement in the attack on Chinese interests. The proactive role of Indian intelligence agencies in extrajudicial killings, as cited by international media, inside Pakistan is a case in point. During the media interaction, it was also made clear that no foreign friendly country has been allowed to make use of airbases for any extra-regional designs, an obvious referral to the United States. It was also consoling to learn that Afghan repatriation is on the cards, in an earnest desire to cleanse the Augean stable of miscreants and non-state actors. Pakistan is in dire need of mending the fences at home and abroad, and one hopes better sense prevails in all humility.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 8^th, 2024.

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