Divided house invites outsiders

The Sharif’s dash to the Saudi Kingdom in the midst of the deepening political crisis back in the country has triggered the speculation of the deliverance of another NRO to bail out the country in general and Sharifs in particular through the courtesy of friendly brotherly countries. This is bad reflection on the leadership of this country, both civilian and military, that has miserably failed to amicably settle the issues in the largest interest of the country. The tag of their incompetence is flashing whether we like it or not. While commenting on this development Opposition Leader Syed Khursheed Shah has comprehensively circumscribed the national predicament by asserting that the nuclear power of Pakistan has come to this pass as to invite the foreign countries to settle its internal disputes. This is huge national embarrassment. His heart-rending outrage to send big lock to shut the courts and go home was reflective of the pain and anguish on what was happening in this unfortunate country.

Pakistan is indeed passing through a dispiriting phase of its history wrought with predictable dangers. The country is bracing grave challenges emanating from the volatility of internal politics, from the civil-military imbalance of working relations, from the sprawling religious extremism, from the apocalyptic economy with frightening external deficit and from US stern warnings of ‘ last chance to eliminate safe havens on its soil or else face the consequences’. The lack of coherent strategy to stand up the challenges is painfully lacking with no visible road map, backed by political will, to make turnaround. The people are deeply upset and their worries are heightened as the politics is bitterly divided, and movers and shakers are engaged in infighting hell bound to take it to the bitter end. Ironically, they are shying away the inevitable loathsome ramifications. The religious fanatics are giving ultimatums and challenging the writ of the state with impunity. They are quite capable of taking the society by storm without the slightest realisation of the resultant devastation. They derive legitimacy from their perspective of religion.

The reported warning to the barbers of Mansehra by a self-proclaimed defender of the religion may be enough to ring the alarm-bell to the looming dangers for the society and the state. The predicaments may multiply after such demagogues raising their heads in other many parts of the country as well. This resultant frenzy may be accurately attributed to the aftermaths of the Faizabad surrender by the state. The religious fanatics are living up to their repute -- if you give them an inch of concession they will end up in taking yard. Their zero-sum game does not accept any room for accommodation. The ambivalence of the state institutions to stem the black tide by facing it upfront may pave the way of total strangulation of the state sooner than later.

The above views may not be understood as reading too much between the lines. The assessment of the likely environment unfolding in the future may not be out of place if reviewed in the context of what has been happening in the country since the apex court judgment on Panama Papers case, notwithstanding the merits and demerits of the decision. The burgeoning hostile political environment may be more problematic during the days ahead than what is perceived today. The only option to turn the tide is through the undiluted demonstration of unity of the political leadership and the state institutions within the ambit of the constitution. Sticking to democratic ethos may be the only option to deal with the anti-democratic forces. For that, holding of fair, free and impartial general elections next year on time is critical to thwart the seemingly near walk over of the rot. It may be followed by transfer of power according to the rules of succession as stipulated in the constitution. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto’s media talk at the Sukkar Press Club last Friday is good news to the people of this country. His assertion that elections will be held on time is of profound importance to scuttle the designs of the adversarial forces those are on overdrive to create doubts in the minds of the people. The PPP supported the Delimitation Bill, 2017, in the Senate in line to ensure the continuity of the democratic process in the country.

Make no mistake, in the absence of peaceful transfer of power as a result of general elections, the politics of the country may take nosedive for the worse, a devastating blow to the political system. Democratic order may be replaced by mayhem of appalling proportion depicting free for all. The emergence of throttling tendencies -- religious extremism and sectarianism --may raise their ugly head in its worst forms and manifestations. Their self-righteousness and insatiable juggernaut for the imposition of toxic ideology may plunge the country into darkness where to see light at the end of the tunnel may be next to impossible. PPP’s known unequivocal commitment to democracy and its continuity is a great source of hope for the people of the country who undoubtedly are heavily in favour of democratic way of national life. Democracy is the spirit of Pakistan movement because it was created as a result of democratic movement led by the Quaid. Democracy is also one of the articles of faith of the PPP ideology. Its leaders and workers have nurtured it with their blood and would be always prepared to defeat the anti-democratic forces at whatever the cost.

Heavy responsibilities indeed lie on the shoulders of the political leadership, Parliament, judiciary and the security establishment to steer the statecraft, with their all the prowess of the world, out of grave dangers while navigating through the unchartered waters. It is a daunting challenge. In the first place, they may read writing on the wall clearly and correctly and demonstrate their political will not to be misled by the rapacious power politics. It may be followed by sincere and earnest desire for giving priority to democracy, federation and the country because all of them are indispensible conditions for each other. Those who dig their heels in favour of power politics even during these dangerous times may be deemed as short-sighted or ill-intentioned or both. The nation may be out of the woods sooner than later if the political leadership and state institutions’ find convergence in prioritising the national politics.

Let it be known quite clearly, the quest for parochial power for power sake by the typical political class may pave the way to the hell with good or otherwise intentions. Power politics at this juncture is like kamikaze that is ill-affordable. Pakistan is facing potent existential threat within. Many politicians though do recognise the gravity in their public discourses but unfortunately their desire for power distracts them to rectify the deteriorating conditions to the utter dismay of the people of this country. The challenges may be still within the range of their tackling provided political leadership and the state institutions make the salvaging of the country and democracy as their top priority.

The declaration of the PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto to continue struggle against the forces of extremism, terrorism and tyrannical is indeed inspiring and heartening for the otherwise worried people of Pakistan. Other parties may also follow with matching sincerity and commitment in this count. Their ambivalence to rise to the occasion may draw the worst case scenario nearer with the passage of time. The security establishment may break forthwith its nexus with the non-state actors, if any, with extremist forces as well meant to intimidate political governments. The army chief in his recent in-camera briefing in Senate, as reported, clearly pointed out to the institutional commitment in sync with the constitution, adding that army had no intention of fiddling with the domestic politics as such. If that is followed with true spirit, surely so as these are the words of top leader of the army; Pakistan is bound to find pathways out of the labyrinth leading to national redemption.

The army chief can make history. Or become history like his predecessors whose misadventures had wreaked havoc with this country. If he wants to live in history he may have to make a choice. The choice of playing his role in saving the Pakistan of the Quaid that is under attack. Ensuring institutional commitment to the constitution in letter and spirit is what may be required of him to earn singular honourable place in the history of this country. Unfortunately, Khakis taking the back seat is not largely supported in the news and views that needs to be addressed. The PML-N leadership current visit to Saudi Arabia in the middle of the political storm lends credence to the views often expressed by political analysts.

As mentioned above, Pakistani nation is looking forward to the holding of third consecutive general elections in the middle of next year clearing the way for second smooth transfer of power as per the constitution’s rules of succession. The transition will surely be the scintillating manifestation of making significant strides towards the consolidation of democratic dispensation. The international community will be happier to see the country marching towards a pluralistic system that was the sole aim of the constitution and sine qua non of the creation of the country. It is achievable through the unity applying collective wisdom.

muhammadshaheedi@yahoo.com