Opposition huddle

There is a twinkle of hope for the opposition as it, at least, managed to gather under an umbrella and call out the government for its extra-constitutional actions. The assembling of the opposition conglomerate, nonetheless, was a telling tale of hide and seek, as the local administration in the federal capital went on a witch-hunt. This reflected the political intolerance that is now well-embedded within the ruling collation as it apparently believes in exterminating the dissent voices, and going solo in contravention of the essentials of a participatory democracy.

The fact that the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) was able to come out with a strong narrative, after a long hiatus, and called for a grand dialogue and a new charter of democracy is a welcome sign. It should pave the way for reconciliation.

The coalition of six opposition parties, of which the PTI is a component, was categorical in demanding an end to what they described as a "wave of fascism and political manipulation" in the country. It also offered its 'blanket support' for all anti-government protests, calling upon the authorities to release all political prisoners, including Imran Khan and Baloch dissidents.

The opposition is now unanimous in calling for supremacy of the Constitution and Parliament, rule of law, independence of the judiciary, appointment of an independent Election Commission and fair elections. Likewise, setting up of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission was underscored to address in de jure terms the excesses that have been committed against the people, so that a new congenial order could emerge in the country.

The call for repealing the 26th amendment and reforming the judiciary was at the bastion, as the alliance insisted that the fundamental spirit of the Constitution and distribution of powers among the organs of the state stood shattered, leading to erosion of public trust in the system. This definitely necessitates a grand dialogue, and the government would be well advised to lend an attentive ear, rather than scoffing at it in a knee-jerk reaction.