The democracy debate

This refers to the letter, ‘Elixir of democracy’ (April 20) by Zia-ur-Rehman. I agree with the writer that scapegoating is the national pastime in our country. In a historical context, however, our situation has taken a turn for the better. General Raheel Sharif, having learnt lessons from history, has taken the constitutional route by resisting the temptation of the law of necessity. This is a quantum leap in the direction of a democratic Pakistan.

‘Democracy and Islam in danger’ have been, and still are, convenient tools in the hands of successive rulers to grab and consolidate power by hook or by crook for personal gains. But times have changed. How does the across-the-board accountability statement of the army chief endanger the so-called elixir called democracy? How does a national consensus on accountability pose a threat to democracy? How does democracy become vulnerable if an independent commission is set up to probe the Panama Papers? The opposition has given a safe passage to the government. The ball lies in the court of PM Nawaz Sharif. He is not a scapegoat but a man in the centre of a controversy of his own making. I wish him good health, but the health of the nation is no less important.

B A Malik

Islamabad