The tornado that emanated on 16th Dec, 2009 finally got to the point of destruction when the Prime Minister of Pakistan got himself convicted for not implementing SC’s orders. Believe it or not, it wasn’t a good day for Pakistan. To say the least, it was a case of vested interests versus the witch-hunt. The problem with PPP is that its regime is marred with corruption and poor governance and the perception about its leadership is so negative that it can’t sustain a qualified position on any particular issue, let alone the Swiss cases. The irony with our Lordship is that they are out to reinvent their role at the cost of justice. This reinvention should not have been directed towards one party or one man. It may not be true but it is the perception that is being created by the very institution itself.
Mr Gilani’s contempt case was but obviously going to meet its logical end and it has. Needless to say that PM Gilani got himself into the dock to protect his benefactor and the vested interests tagged along. I will not comment on the merits of the case but one important point which has been conveniently overlooked by many prudent commentators. This decision has not earned what it should have, i.e. respect and effectiveness. That could be for two reasons. Firstly, for the entire span of the trial, Mr Aitzaz Ahsan kept emphasising one point till almost the conclusion of his arguments, which was of the importance of a fair trial. It’s a common practice in the higher courts that the judges withdraw themselves or refuse to hear a case where a question arises over the impartiality of the bench. In this very case, the judges did not pay any heed to this argument which does give the impression of bias and a preconceived mindset. Secondly, for all the tactical reason, it’s a settled practice that the threat of force is mightier than the use of force. The institution has used it and hence the result is not impressive.
Mr Gilani — who himself said that if he was convicted, then there would be no need for him to step down as he would cease to be a member of the parliament — finally got himself an afterthought and now the reliance is on the procedure mentioned in the Article 63(2). What intrigues the foes, obviously PML(N), is that why didn’t the Peoples Party wait for procedural matters, under the above mentioned Article, to be completed and followed when Mian Shahbaz Sharif was disqualified and the federal government had immediately imposed the governor’s rule in Punjab. As they say, it’s a matter of convenience and not a matter of principles. Peoples Party is in a stroppy mood now and any argument against Mr Gilani to step down on moral grounds will not sustain any ground, in a manner of speaking. They have decided to take this war to the next level. It’s judiciary versus the parliament now and it’s only going to get murkier with every passing day.
Apparently, two petitions have been filed in the two high courts to stop Mr Gilani to work as prime minister and to take away his perks and privileges. On the other hand, the Peoples Party is thinking of bringing a privilege motion against the assistant registrar of the SC who recently wrote to the Speaker National Assembly to have the verdict implemented. After weighting all these moves, the judiciary may strike back on May 3rd to give its final order in the NRO Implementation Case. The SC may dispense more pragmatism by issuing the declaration of disqualification for Mr Gilani. Yes, this was the first and one of the six options in the January 10 orders in NRO implementation case. That may be the official doomsday for Mr Gilani who currently is in no mood to bow down to anyone. The opposition, which stands divided, has simply no clue how to deal with precarious political position of PPP. Mian Nawaz Sharif is grappling with the situation at hand. A press conference mentioning number of options available will lead them next to nowhere. Imran Khan offered what he had but what next? Is the street tsunami ready to force Mr Gilani’s ouster?
The effort has be consolidated this time because PPP stands tall and strong, at least ostensibly. Mr Zardari’s reconciliation policy is paying him off now. Despite some conscious effort, no one has been able to attract his coalition partners. Mian Nawaz Sharif should be mindful of the fact that any long march from Punjab will only further destabilise the country and Peoples Party will have yet another ripe reason to embrace political martyrdom. What concerns us, the mango people, is that anymore wind in this hail will only add to the instability.
The writer hosts a prime time talk show. He can be contacted at muneebfarooqraja@gmail.com