Nawaz meets Zardari

A positive sign for political supremacy

The meeting between Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari at a time when the civil-military tensions have suddenly risen is highly significant. The issue however was only one of the several items on the agenda of the two parties. A day before the meeting Zardari’s erstwhile spokesman Sen Farhatullah Babar had described the army’s reaction to the statements of federal ministers as “uncalled for” and “inappropriate”. Thus there already was no confusion about the PPP’s stand on the issue.

The meeting between Sharif and Zardari was by no means unusual. It shows that unlike the 1990’s, politicians have learnt to consider political opponents as political competitors without whom democracy cannot function rather than personal enemies. Meetings between party heads are a positive sign because they lead to reduction in misunderstandings, send the right message to party workers and help in the development of a culture of tolerance. There are presently several causes of contention between the government and the opposition. Making use of its numerical superiority in the National Assembly the government has got the controversial PPO passed. This was seen by the opposition as steamrolling dissent and led to walkout from the House. The opposition supported by some of the government allies is in a position to stonewall the legislation. The continuous absence of prime minister from the Senate is another cause of friction with the opposition which has now amended the Senate rules to make the Chief Executive’s presence mandatory during the weakly question hour. The present confrontation between the Senate and the National Assembly has to end to facilitate the passage of vital legislation in days to come. Other issues discussed at the meeting included talks with the TTP and the ongoing operation in Karachi. An understanding has reportedly been reached on a review of the PPPO in the light of the objections of the opposition.

Civil-military tensions at a time when attempts are afoot to redefine their respective spheres of activity are understandable. The differences however need to be kept within manageable limits. It was common in the 1990s for the opposition parties to seek the help of the army in their contention against the government thus encouraging Bonapartist tendencies. Imran Khan has already opposed any indiscretion on the part of the army. The present meeting would send a similar message.

The TTP’s announcement not to extend ceasefire should be a reminder to the establishment to enhance cooperation with the government. Hopefully issues will be amicably resolved during the meeting on national security called by the prime minister today.