It may seem murky but look deeper
I tell you. This week is pretty amazing. So many imponderables and so much happening! Fame and fortune is on the line whichever way it goes. The crystal balls are out and being rubbed furiously by the pundits et al.
India thrashed Pakistan, unceremoniously. It was a batting display par excellence; forget the cock-ups by the Pakistanis. Fortunately, we had already won our way into the final. At the other end, fame and fortune bestowed itself upon Bangladesh. In a courageous display, they defeated Sri Lanka to make the finals against Pakistan on Thursday. India has to slump their way home, much to Pakistan’s delight. Bangladeshi are already excited about their prospects, having beaten India and Sri Lanka as well and falling to Pakistan by just twenty-one runs.
If the Pakistanis play cricket, they should win. But if the play ‘gulli dandha’ as they are prone to do, especially the relics, they are likely to eat crow. Inspiration derived on home turf can turn the meekest into a tiger. So come on crystal ball make a prediction, if you dare!!
The week doesn’t end there. As I write, the PM is most probably making his way to the Supreme Court to face what could be his Waterloo. This case has held the focus of the nation for simply ages. The PM believes he is acting within his oath of office and the constitution. It is undeniable that the constitution provides the president with immunity. There is also no denying in democracy sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them. Therefore the PM’s stance that parliament alone can decide appears to be reasonable. The apex court’s stance is well known. Whether courts can question constitutional provisions is a moot question.
I guess, again, the crystal ball will come into play. It is relevant to mention that the PM deserves commendation for his cool demeanour and exemplary conduct during these trying times. There has been no outburst a la PPP rhetoric. Wisdom plays a large part in difficult circumstances and hope that it prevails, across the board, is the order of the day.
The issue goes beyond just the present case. The past is full of excesses having being committed by all three players on our scenes: executive, military and judiciary. Pakistan is in transition. Never before has a democratic government completed its full tenure. The current prime minister is the longest serving in our history. It appears that democracy, whatever trials and tribulations exist, is finally taking root. It is incumbent therefore to ensure the flower blooms at the end of the gestation period.
Thus, it is imperative that all arms of governance in viewing their current stance review past performance in context to current issues and curb the natural tendency to enforce deportments autocratically. It is not difficult to list the excesses committed. So a ‘holier than thou’ posture is not becoming. Today the people are more than aware, and constantly reminded by the media, of the past and current issues. No one is spared today. It’s a good thing, even though the media may not be entirely objective in reporting.
Take the steel mill issue for instance. Ironically, the apex court is hearing a matter dealing with the huge losses caused to the exchequer and thus the people by the project. Billions, it is said; more than ten billion a year. Well, seven odd years ago the government privatised this mill. It was well documented then that it was bleeding and there was no redemption. The mill had run its course, its machinery was antiquated, it was overstaffed, and the real estate was being wasted. Privatisation was the only solution; else huge recurring losses would cripple government.
The privatisation was stopped by the apex court’s intervention. The impact of billions lost, whether forty or seventy, is the denial of educational and basic amenities to the people. Just think of how many students could have been educated. So who bears responsibility? Look into the ball, it tells all.
Parliament is in joint session to determine relations with the US. Again, wisdom must prevail. And cold, hard facts determine the course of recommendations and actions. The Americans are in a war. To be fought according to a strategy determined by them. They intend to win. Whether they do or not depends, not just on the crystal ball, but also on the cooperation the ‘ally’, Pakistan, provides. US strategy limits hand-to-hand combat to the minimum thus the need for drones, and … and! Let’s be rational and shun rhetoric and emotionalism. Let Imran Khan blow that balloon.
Like I said excesses have been rampant, but let’s not go there. Let’s move on. Let’s begin looking at life in the transition, the new democracy and stop people in glass houses throwing stones at each other. Look into the crystal ball instead.
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