Dr Hasan Askari in his recent article “Will democracy survive?” has analysed current political situation keeping in view the moves by certain political parties who desperately want Zardari’s downfall. There is no doubt that ever since this government came into power, it has faced tough opposition, including from media where famous anchors would give deadlines of their downfall, at times so sure if they were part of the fate deciders, but every time the government emerged more stronger than before. The classic example of rumours floated and debated after the sudden departure of President Zardari to Dubai and the resultant confusion that prevailed shall keep haunting us for a long time.
Bad governance, coupled with massive corruption charges and systematic collapse of major institutions of Pakistan, was not enough to pull down the government but the memo issue certainly has created tremors in PPP high command, including President Zardari.
The PML(N), on one hand, is not ready to be part of dislodging the government but on the other hand continues its pressure on PPP openly and wants everything constitutionally before the Senate elections. What a logic? There is no possibility of government falling before Senate elections due to coalition and silent partners.
The writer has correctly summed up that opposition parties, including the PTI, cannot bring change other than through constitutional means but have no representation in the assemblies leaving entire burden on PML(N).
The PML(N) is on a weaker wicket because Imran Khan is pulling huge crowd in public meetings and his target is Nawaz Sharif. How unfortunate! Both have missed the chance and the only beneficiary will be PPP. As things stand, the memo issue most probably will meet the same fate as that of NRO. The PPP is not going to take it lightly and God forbid if they are forced out of throne, they will again be winners as sympathy vote will be on their side.
With the writer’s analysis that military has three options, I disagree. In fact they are short of options and the only option is to stay away from dirty politics and let people decide what is good or bad for them.
Political parties otherwise do not want any interference from army and all are united on this point. The only option is invoking of Article 190 of the Constitution to seek military help, but the problem is that military will have to take permission from Ministry of Defence. Direct intervention by army has already been sealed by the apex court.
Any military adventure in any shape will draw sanctions from the US and that can lend us into deep trouble, especially when the war on terror is still going on.
The problem with our politicians, especially the opposition parties, is that they want everything to be done by the Supreme Court and that may not be possible.
The only option left is let the train of democracy move forward, true we have suffered a lot in this era of democracy but the nation’s survival still lies in more democracy. But then again, in the words of Thomas Jefferson, “A democracy is nothing more than a mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.” What a tragedy.
MUKHTAR AHMED
Karachi
