More controversy
The last thing we need right now is the stirring up of more controversy in what is already a shaky scenario.
Caretaker Interior Minister Malik Habib. PHOTO: FILE
We seem to be running into one controversy after the other as the May 2013 election approaches. This is obviously not a welcome development given that what we need most right now is a smooth and trouble-free election, which is perceived as fair and transparent; the results of which are accepted by all major parties. This is beginning to seem more and more difficult.
The latest piece of trouble arises from a statement, apparently, made by Caretaker Interior Minister Malik Habib Khan, a former IG Police of Balochistan, who is reported to have said that Mian Nawaz Sharif was the only ‘real leader’ in the country. This statement is clearly unwise. Ministers holding offices in the interim set-up should certainly know better than to choose between leaders or give their personal opinions on political matters in public. The purpose of the caretakers is, of course, to act as a neutral administration.
It is, therefore, hardly surprising that Malik Habib’s words caused a furore. Each contestant has the right to expect that the caretaker set-up will not, in any way, take sides. The PTI, the PPP and the MQM have suggested that the minister be removed from his post. The ECP and the president have both been asked to take action. On his part, the caretaker interior minister has clarified his statement and stressed that his job is only to provide security and conduct free and fair elections.
What we need now is for some calm to prevail and the matter should be tackled wisely. The last thing we need right now is the stirring up of more controversy in what is already a shaky scenario. In light of the caretaker interior minister’s clarification, political parties should not waste time in making any more frivolous charges and must focus on the election itself. Caretaker officials, on their part, must be extra careful in their utterances and deeds. There is no time to waste on such controversies and on replacing caretakers with elections just over a month away. Political parties will do well to take back the demand for removing the minister as this will only lead to more political uncertainty in an already precarious situation.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 10th, 2013.
The latest piece of trouble arises from a statement, apparently, made by Caretaker Interior Minister Malik Habib Khan, a former IG Police of Balochistan, who is reported to have said that Mian Nawaz Sharif was the only ‘real leader’ in the country. This statement is clearly unwise. Ministers holding offices in the interim set-up should certainly know better than to choose between leaders or give their personal opinions on political matters in public. The purpose of the caretakers is, of course, to act as a neutral administration.
It is, therefore, hardly surprising that Malik Habib’s words caused a furore. Each contestant has the right to expect that the caretaker set-up will not, in any way, take sides. The PTI, the PPP and the MQM have suggested that the minister be removed from his post. The ECP and the president have both been asked to take action. On his part, the caretaker interior minister has clarified his statement and stressed that his job is only to provide security and conduct free and fair elections.
What we need now is for some calm to prevail and the matter should be tackled wisely. The last thing we need right now is the stirring up of more controversy in what is already a shaky scenario. In light of the caretaker interior minister’s clarification, political parties should not waste time in making any more frivolous charges and must focus on the election itself. Caretaker officials, on their part, must be extra careful in their utterances and deeds. There is no time to waste on such controversies and on replacing caretakers with elections just over a month away. Political parties will do well to take back the demand for removing the minister as this will only lead to more political uncertainty in an already precarious situation.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 10th, 2013.