Not upsetting the delicate balance
PM Gilani has reiterated that he would carry out any decision of the SC taken about his political future even if it involves his being handcuffed and sent to jail. The issue of writing a letter to the Swiss authorities, however, continues to hang fire. The confrontation between the SC and the executive comes at a crucial juncture for the system and amid forebodings that the third force could use it to upset the system. Attempts to kickstart talks between the US and Taliban, which are vital for the security of both Afghanistan and Pakistan, have entered a crucial phase. Gilani is proceeding to Qatar next week to hold important parleys related to the issue. The international community which is keen to see the continuation of democracy in Pakistan is viewing the situation with baited breath. Meanwhile, crucial talks have started between the government and the opposition on the mechanism to hold free and fair elections due within months.
The apex court has shown enough judicial restraint on the issue of the implementation of the NRO verdict over the last two years, though the question regarding the basis for its selection of the cases would remain an issue of debate in days to come. While the government has taken the stand that the PM was advised by highly qualified legal experts not to write the letter to the Swiss authorities, it is difficult to ignore the point that the injunction by 17 judges of the apex court should carry greater weight. The government maintains that it hesitates to write to a foreign government to initiate the legal proceedings against the President of the country and the Supreme Commander of the armed forces with the implication that the next prime minister elected by the present NA is also likely to follow Gilani. This would prolong the crisis.
At stake, on the one hand, is the majesty of the SC, while on the other, the life of the elected government which claims that conspiracies to wrap up the system have gone on for the last six months. The majesty of the SC has to be maintained while care has to be taken that the baby is not thrown out with the bath water. There is a need under the circumstances for both the executive and judiciary to find a way out of the dilemma.
