Words and deeds

Justice (r) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has to ensure an orderly and non-controversial polls.

Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, finally named to the post after a long process, has to some degree become mired in controversy even as his name was announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The opposition parties, led by the PML-N, have been arguing that Justice (retd) Khoso, as a “weak” person, is a poor choice for the post. But, far more encouragingly, the man entrusted with leading the country until the government chosen by the people can take over, has made it quite clear that he knows exactly what he is to do, and intends to do just this. In his first interview, he has promised to do all he can to ensure elections are fair, free and transparent, while also working with all players concerned to ensure they take place in a peaceful environment. This, of course, is the main job of a caretaker. Justice (retd) Khoso has also said that he will do all that he can to persuade those opposing him of his neutrality and good intent.



His words are promising. We must now hope he can back them with deeds. It is, of course, crucial to Pakistan and its still unsteady democracy that the coming polls go ahead smoothly and with as little acrimony as possible. The caretaker prime minister stands to play a vital role in this. He will need to offer the ECP solid support at every stage and also play a part in cooling tempers at a time when they run high. The political scene is tense, the chances of violence, in one form or the other, formidably high. Moreover, there are several issues left in the middle by the previous government, which Khoso can help sort out, even as he tries to ensure free and fair elections, such as the issue of the pending passports, etc. Such issues, in fact, need to be dealt with without delay so lives are not disrupted and continuity is assured.

Justice (retd) Khoso, then, has a tough job before him. He will need to convince the PML-N and other forces that he does indeed intend to stand true to what he has said and not take sides. If he can succeed in this it will be a huge achievement. So far, the former judge has indicated he has every intention of trying his very best. We certainly hope this will be the case, so that an orderly, non-controversial poll can take place, ensuring a trouble-free transition to the new set-up.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2013.