Leaders of opposition parties address a joint press conference in Lahore. PHOTO: ONLINE/FILE
After a detailed meeting, parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan (Fazal), the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, the National Party and the Jamhoori Watan Party, came up with a unanimous statement demanding that a date for elections be announced. However, they made it quite clear that they disagreed vehemently with Tahirul Qadri’s demand that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) be dissolved, with Mr Sharif in particular saying that the parties had full faith in the body decided on by consensus. The leaders also opposed any dissolution of the assemblies, terming this an undemocratic step and emphasising instead that the next election should go ahead as scheduled.
This is a highly positive step. Even the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which had appeared to be dithering as to what to do, has after this development, decided to stay away from Dr Qadri’s sit-in. With this, Dr Qadri, with his band of supporters, has been left isolated. The situation has been handled deftly by the government with no major action taken to break up the strange gathering. Comment is already growing about the number of small children living out in the freezing conditions for more than three days. The clear-cut announcement by major political forces is highly welcome. It indicates that they may have recognised that above all else, our country needs continuity and stable democracy. The trust shown in the ECP is also good news. Its next role, as Justice (retd) Fakhruddin G Ebrahim and his team move on to centre stage, is to ensure that the poll is conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner, leaving behind no doubt in any mind about its conduct.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2013.
COMMENTS (10)
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""All at the altar of democracy. An inspiring moment, democracy’s champions striking their breasts for they have just prevented democracy from being derailed. And I look at the mugshots of the democracy champions gathered in Lahore – hardened clerics and lay redeemers – and my heart sinks. Haven’t we grown up with the legend that in democracy lies our salvation? But I look at the motley champions and, try as I might, I cannot work myself into the requisite state of emotion.""
This was written by a member of parliament belonging to PML-N after seeing the above picture.
What democracy...i hate democracy...it has brought nothing to the common people of Pakistan...We need land reforms.....can somebody do this for Pakistan?
@C. Nandkishore: "Pakistan is set on the path to become the leading light among the Muslim countries. A free Supreme Court, a free election commission, an elected government and different political parties is what Muslims in the Middle east always wanted" I have taken the liberty to copy your comment. How proud I feel as a Pakistani since birth that we are a leader in the Muslim world not just in producing extremists but democrats who want to adhere to the path of democracy and empower people. Pakistan is second to none given a chance to march on the path of democracy and ultimately progress. It took India more than four decades of continuous democratic rule to break out of all the social evils that we are now facing. Once on the path of economic progress we are going to bypass corruption and abject poverty. Thanks and regards, M
the ides of March are coming, but wait until they arrive. I wiil be happy only if elections take place without ouside interference.
For the first time in its history Pakistan is set on the path to become the leading light among the Muslim countries. A free Supreme Court, a free election commission, an elected government and different political parties is what Muslims in the Middle east always wanted. Thats what the people would tell me when I worked there. They used to appreciate India. However they used to have a lingering doubt if a Muslim country can become a democracy. Now Pakistan is on the way to prove it.
@John B
Even a terrible democracy is a thousand times better than a military intervention. Over time and elections, the people and the institutions at least will have the opportunity to mature. In your country, India, democracy is still far from what it is in developed countries. Dynastic politics still plays a big role. Why on earth would the oldest political party be in utter thrall of a incompetent like Rahul? But the people over there have decided that it is still better than Generals.
And credit must also go to ET and other responsible english print media for creating awareness in public about civil rights and threats posed by anti democratic forcess to freedom of conscience.The journey is however not finished and still under grave threats and civilions should be prepared for tough resistance.
One correction...pti decided not to join long march BEFORE nawaz press conference...not "after this development". Just check the dates of your articles in your own newspaper.
Among the two options, the decision to stay with democratic process is a good one. However, what type of democracy they are planing to bring in is the issue highlighted by Qadri and company, and hopefully the political parties learnt a lesson and strive forward towards the goal.
A great step forward towards nurturing the democratic process in Pakistan. No non- constitutional means should be allowed to derail the continuity of civilian rule in the country. It is appropriate to congratulate all those who made this victory possible. They should not forget that it is also their responsibility to cooperate with each other and focus on building a strong, stable and prosperous Pakistan; a Pakistan that is at peace with itself, its neighbours, and with the rest of the civilized world.