The PML(N) has driven the otherwise reluctant PPP to yield ground on a number of issues vital for good governance. Not all of Mian Nawaz Sharifs ten points have been implemented, but this should not make the PML(N) call it a day and take recourse to the politics of confrontation. Compromise and give and take are matters of routine in political dealings in a democracy. In fact, flexibility is the essence of democratic culture. What the PML(N) has managed to extract is by no means insignificant. While the 18th amendment prescribed a formula to ensure a lean and mean cabinet, it was mandatory to implement it only after the next elections. Pressure by the PML(N) and by donor agencies have, however, forced the government to immediately cut down the size of the cabinet. Similarly, a 12-member parliamentary committee comprising government and opposition representatives from the National Assembly and Senate has been formed to finalise the procedure for appointing an independent Election Commission, though under repeated pressure from the PML(N). An agreement has also been reached on the recovery of written-off loans. While one may not agree with the Prime Ministers claim of 45 percent of the tasks having been done, what has been achieved is by no means negligible. As Ishaq Dar has graphically put it, out of the ten glasses; one is quarter full, another is half full and perhaps one is completely full.
What remains to be done is in no way inconsequential. The deadlock over the accountability law and the appointment of NAB chief remains unbroken. Similarly, the procedure proposed by the government team for the appointment of heads of public sector entities and constitutional bodies remains unacceptable to the PML(N). While maintaining that some of the issues require a longer period for implementation, the government maintains it is willing to continue the process of political engagement to address the rest of the issues. Talks should therefore be continued.
Mian Nawaz should realise that confrontation would worsen the economic woes of the country while the state of governance could also deteriorate. Whosoever comes to power after the next elections will thus be required to solve problems made more intractable on account of the shortsightedness on the part of those who are holding the dialogue. The 10 points should not be treated as God-sent Ten Commandments.
