Everyone follows the script
As is the norm in a parliamentary system, President Zardari has recounted what he considers to be the government’s achievements and has drawn attention to some of the challenges that lie ahead. That there would be disturbance during the address was a foregone conclusion. Last year, also the Opposition had staged a walk out during the address. Despite earlier threats by the MQM to join the protest, the interior minister managed to deter the allies from the course. On the other hand, reports of a split in the opposition over protest proved wrong as the JUI(F) and National Party took part in the boycott.
There have been important achievements during the last four years combined with equally important failures. Some of the measures taken by the government have strengthened the fledgling democracy. These include the consensus NFC Award and the three constitutional amendments which have removed the distortions introduced in the 1973 constitution by successive military rulers. With the PM again becoming the central figure in the system, we have returned to a real parliamentary democracy. The 20th Amendment has enhanced the powers of the Election Commission of Pakistan and provided it independence. There is now an agreed formula for the appointment of the caretaker set up. That President Zardari was addressing the joint session for the fifth time and Gilani has now become the longest serving PM also constitute major strides towards strengthening the fledgling democracy. There is, however, also a highly negative flipside. The economy continues to be in bad shape. The government has yet to control inflation and improve the dismal employment situation. It has failed to bring down the poverty graph. There are frequent cuts in the already meagre development budget. Power breakdowns continue despite promises to end them. Balochistan has turned into a running sore over the last four years. The quality of governance both at the centre and the provinces, including Punjab, ruled by the PML(N), leaves much to be desired.
The opposition can rightfully claim that it has played an important role in passing the constitutional amendments and formulating the NFC award. This has been recognised by the president in his address also. He commended the Leader of the Opposition and members of the opposition parties for playing their role in the Parliament. The democratic system is based on give and take. It cannot work if the party in power uses undemocratic methods to crush the opposition. Fortunately, this has not happened. Similarly, the system can fail if the opposition breaks the terms of engagement. The PML(N) has by and large showed restraint and was therefore accused of being a friendly opposition. The threats of dragging the president in the streets held out by Mian Shahbaz Sharif do not reveal a democratic mindset while these also do not gel with the party policy.
