Imran’s adventurism is a threat for the democratic system
The intervention of senior politicians affords an opportunity to Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif to de-escalate the ugly standoff which threatens the very existence of the system. What has brought together PPP, PKMAP, QWP and JUI-F leaders is not any love for the PML-N government but concern for democracy. While the PTI is determined to continue its sit-in till Nawaz Sharif’s resignation, there are reports of the Punjab government meditating the detention of 300 Tehreek-i-Insaf leaders and activists before the rally. Sensing that this could further complicate the situation, the senior politicians wrested an assurance from the prime minister that the government would not resort to high-handed tactics to stop the march. Meanwhile, Zardari has called on the government to avoid any knee-jerk reaction that might result in political instability and expose democratic institutions to unforeseen threats.
There is a need on the part of Imran Khan to listen to the leaders’ advice. While registering his protest over rigging, the PTI chief must not cross the red line that divides legitimate protests from anarchy. His statements have already hit the stock market hard. The demand for Nawaz Sharif’s resignation could further add to political uncertainty and cause problems for the economy. On its part the government too has to yield ground to resolve PTI’s grievances regarding rigging.
The PTI has to realise that it cannot bring any positive change without the support of the rest of the Opposition. As things stand even Jamaat-e-Islami, PTI’s major coalition partner in KP, is not willing to join any activity aimed at removing the government through unconstitutional and unlawful means. The PTI needs to avoid ganging up with Tahirul Qadri who is out to destroy the system and is likely to engineer incidents during the protest that could make the protesters unruly. The PML-N would be the main loser in case the system is derailed while Imran Khan would be held responsible by history if his adventurism was to lead to the discomfiture of democracy.