The fourth sun of 2011 has brought very first political calamity of the new year in terms of assassination of the late Governor of Punjab, Salmaan Taseer.
I do not want to debate whether it is a condemnable incident or his assassination had become writing on the wall right that day when he did offend the emotions of the majority of the people of Pakistan. But I am afraid, apart from the reality this incident has given rise to a number of speculations among the intellectual community of this country.
On one side the PML(Q) was busy in formulating its policy in order to respond to the forthcoming political scenario while on the other hand PML(N) was announcing terms and conditions for the government to follow if the government was willing to avoid the critical times. The stage was being set for narrowing the circle around the government and people were expecting that the government was at countdown but suddenly the camera changed its direction and everything was frozen right the next moment.
Undoubtedly, this incident is in a great magnitude which will change the course of politics in the country. The PPP has not only succeeded in turning the times to their favour, rather they have made their place in the coming general elections.
So, the assassin Malik Mumtaz Qadri might be used as a pawn of chess.
If the government wants to prove such speculations wrong, it is suggested to try Qadri transparently in the presence of media instead of killing him in any police encounter or handing him over to any secret agency, so the people of Pakistan can know the truth quite vividly.
ABDUR REHMAN MAANI
PU, Lahore
