Opposition's due space
The opposition seems to be on the edges. It has warned of countrywide protests if family members, lawyers and political associates are denied an audience with the jailed former Prime Minister, Imran Khan. An unannounced ban has been placed by the government on meetings with Khan since November 4, despite explicit orders from Islamabad High Court. This has also led to rumours and concerns on the PTI chief's health and well-being. Though on Friday night the authorities came up with some window-dressing by stating that the incarcerated leader is "well", it has not come to the satisfaction of all concerned. Aleema Khan, Khan's sister, has moved the court for ensuring routine meetings, as K-P CM Sohail Afridi staged an overnight sit-in outside Adiala jail on being denied a meeting with his party chief on his eighth visit.
The bickering political atmosphere does not bode well for the government too, as it finds itself in a host of challenges, especially those related to security on the western frontiers. However, it seems several stalwarts of the government are in an irresponsible mode, as they warn an already cornered opposition of dire consequences. Likewise, threatening rhetoric against Khan's life has added a new aura of instability and vengeance in politics. Nonetheless, PM's advisor Rana Sanaullah tried to cool down the simmering sentiments by voicing for due meetings with the PTI leader. The coalition government must heed to rationality and ensure that this stalemate and unlawful insertions in politics do not go over the brink.
The opposition, as per law and democratic conventions, must enjoy its due political space. Efforts on the part of the government to influence the judiciary and make use of the bureaucratic muscle to browbeat the opposition are ill-advised. It has been a while that calls for rapprochement have fallen on deaf ears. The onus for reaching out to the opposition and creating a conducive environment rests with the ruling coalition. To bring the mercury down, lawful meetings with Imran Khan can be a good start.