No-holds-barred?
Provocative statements from the opposition followed by an equally stronger response from the PPP indicate that henceforth it is just touch and go. Unless better sense prevails, one might see a replay of the no-holds-barred struggle characterising the 90’s and leading to a similar denouement. That this should happen at a time when parliament was in the process of reclaiming its rightful turf is all the more unfortunate.
It all started with the short order passed by the Supreme Court sentencing Gilani in the contempt case without specifically de-notifying him. Instead of waiting for the outcome of the appeal being prepared by Gilani’s legal team, Nawaz Sharif declared the prime minister a usurper. He maintained that his continuation in the office was unconstitutional, illegal, and unethical and that all orders given by him after April 26 were null and void in the eyes of the law. Not to be left behind, Ch Nisar maintained that Gilani had sneaked into the parliament house to deliver a speech when the opposition had boycotted the proceedings. He vowed that a stranger like Gilani will not be allowed to enter the house at the next sitting. Nawaz Sharif has threatened to use all options including protest in and out of parliament as well as long march. In a tit for tat response, Chief Minister Sindh has threatened to march on Lahore. This is a recipe for disaster.
What needs to be recognised is that every citizen has a right to take recourse to all legal remedies before a punishment is carried out. Even a death sentence cannot be executed till the disposal of the final appeal. The PML(N) should have waited, as Imran has decided to do, for a few more weeks. The Supreme Court has initiated the process of implementing the verdict by sending copies of its short order to both the National Assembly Speaker and the Election Commission of Pakistan. Gilani needs to consider meanwhile if a simultaneous confrontation with the Supreme Court and opposition is in the benefit of the system.
