His status in the province was absolutely similar to that of the president in the federation.
However, Chaudhry Sarwar took the right decision to call it a day otherwise he was going to be asked to go home. It was apparently not possible for the prime minister to keep him any longer after he indicted the government on Tuesday. “It’s the diplomatic failure of Pakistan that US President Barack Obama visited India and signed all-important civil nuclear deal with it that included some condition even against American and international laws,” he stated.
Since his nomination as the governor, Chaudhry Sarwar presented himself uneasy soul, unsatisfied with the job he had to perform. He gave a clear impression that he wanted to do a lot but was handicapped. He always considered himself under-utilised. He never reconciled to the fact that he was just to sign and approve what was sent to him under the Constitution and law by the provincial government. But he remained quiet and kept giving vent to his views in a manner that was not received well by the Sharif brothers.
During the fiasco created by Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri on his return from Canada in June last, the government did not like the role played by the governor as he seemed more close to what the PAT leader said and did rather than expounding the government’s point of view before the PAT leader. The fact that he was the only one acceptable to Dr Qadri to end that crisis also raised eyebrows in official circles.
What are the options available to Chaudhry Sarwar in the political field? In the tricky and complex politics of Pakistan, it is quite impossible to act alone and single-handed and create some impact. Therefore, he has to associate himself with some political party to realise his dreams. He has the choice of affiliating with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), PAT or some other political party.
“I can serve Pakistan better out of office,” he said. But this would be doable only if he joins a political party worth the name. “I want to continue to help Pakistan in creating such a society where progress can be ensured for all the masses. It’s time to wake up. Out-of-school children, lack of access to clean water, threats to minorities are issues plaguing Pakistan,” he said listing a laudable agenda and vowed to campaign aggressively for local elections. To do all this, he will require a political platform.Chaudhry Sarwar’s decision to ‘live and die in Pakistan’ is positive. It means that he has burnt his boats as far as Britain is concerned.