Save the system together
Contrasted to reliance on hyperbole and the soap box oratory by minor PML(N) leaders at the Faisalabad public meeting, speeches delivered by Ch Nisar Ali and Mian Nawaz Sharif indicated that they realised the gravity of the imminent threat to the democratic system. Both balanced their criticism of the PPP by hitting at Imran Khan also who they believe is playing the game of the establishment.
While Nawaz was well within his right to project the achievements of his government, he is likely to be blamed for possessing a highly selective memory. He forgot, for instance, that he had also made disastrous economic and political moves like freezing of foreign currency accounts and the attempt to bring a constitutional amendment that would have accumulated all powers in his hands. According to PML(N) chief, the memo allegedly sent through Mansoor Ijaz compromises the country’s sovereignty. Further, government leaders continue to indulge in corruption, the government ignores decisions approved by the National Assembly and metes out step-brotherly treatment to the Punjab government. The PML(N) chief forgets that he too had sent Shahbaz to seek US support against a military ruler’s plans to overthrow his government. One would readily agree that the Centre must not discriminate against a province on account of the party in power. Nawaz needs to be reminded, however, that Shahbaz laid the basis for the estrangement by throwing the PPP ministers out of Punjab cabinet. It would, however, be churlish to ignore Nawaz’s criticism regarding corruption in high quarters and the government’s attitude of ignoring the Parliament’s decisions. Despite the 18th amendment, provincial autonomy is being blatantly violated in Balochistan and an APC convened by the government has recommended the creation of a committee to oversee the implementation of parliamentary decisions.
Nawaz has stopped short of announcing any move that could help the establishment dismantle the system again. He is well within democratic norms to take the issue of the memo to the SC if the government does not order an enquiry. There is a need on the part of the PPP and PML(N) to work out their differences and reach an accord on a conduct to save the system.