Dictators and military rulers use brute force, or intimidation to rule countries against will of their citizens. They remain in power as long as they have the capacity to use violence. However when politicians resort to politics of violence and abuse of power to accumulate state assets, their days are numbered. It is just a matter of time, because having lost all constitutional legitimacy and moral authority, the clock starts ticking.
What has been witnessed in Karachi during the past few years under democratic rule is against the very essence of democracy and constitutional rule. Violence is being used indiscriminately to assert political power in Karachi. Political leaders control Karachi’s law and order through remote control, which was very evident when a message to stop the violence was issued after death of 17 innocent citizens and burning of public transport belonging to those who were not involved in the cause for the heartburn of those who were venting their anger.
Thousands have died in target killings and the elected provincial or federal government seem to be totally oblivious of their obligation to protect lives, punish criminals and enforce laws. Politics of reconciliation is to reconcile with your political opponents, respect their right to oppose you, or if feasible replace you constitutionally, not to let criminals walk free.
Political leaders have to exercise tolerance for dissent and criticism. The right to rule exists as long as the elected executive delivers through good governance and protects the state and its resources from being plundered or wasted. It is also the constitutional duty of an elected executive to ensure compliance with orders of judiciary. Elected government rules through power vested in them by the constitution, but the constitution in the words of a former Chief Justice Supreme Court of America is what the courts interpret it to be.
NASIR K KHAKAKHEL
Peshawar