The duties of the three organs of state are unambiguously defined in the constitution. The parliament is to make laws, executive to govern, and judiciary is empowered to interpret the constitution. In spite of this, the relation between the three is far from being cordial.
The heads of these bodies, instead of performing their duties in accordance with the provisions of the book appear to cross red lines and encroach upon each other’s territory. For instance, the executive is found wanting in providing good governance, short in provision of amenities of life at reasonable prices, deficient in maintaining law and order to protect life and property of citizens and lag behind to facilitate equal opportunity in education, health and economic sectors. It also could not control fiscal management and generate revenue for economic growth.
The lawmakers, whose prime job is to formulate laws for welfare of people, crave for development funds, seek quotas in services and arms licenses, and try keep grip over government functionaries. The apex court, the sole interpreter of constitution and final arbiter of justice seem to assume duties of executive by issuing directives to heads of institutions and other bodies such as the election commission and fix prices in the name of justice.
The media has self-attained the status of the fourth pillar of state. The media men often claim to inform and educate people by presenting objective facts. However, the reality defies their claims. They at times seem to accelerate an event, through manipulation of public opinion, to happen according to their own agenda and will. Cracks have also occurred in their ranks and some are in line of fire and others are life line of judiciary.
Due to conflicting views of lawmakers, the establishment and the judiciary – much inflated by the media – a worst political polarization spread in the society. There is a tussle not only between the parliament/executive and the judiciary for supremacy, but also infighting among officers belonging to a same department are brewing.
As the saying goes, to err is human; no one is immune against this human weakness. Yet, no one in-charge of any pillar of state ever bears responsibility, cost and consequences of his decisions. The result is total confusion in the country and I wonder where this struggle for power and influence between the state pillars will take this already poor and battered country.
RAJA SHAFAATULLAH
Islamabad
