Abyss ahead!

The PML-N is digging its grave by not taking PTI seriously

The ominous crisis generated by the PTI’s decision to march on Islamabad has activated a number of senior politicians who are trying to bring the government and PTI together. With only five days left for the march to begin, the success or failure of these efforts will depend on the antagonists’ sense of urgency and the realisation of the dangerous consequences of an impasse.

Most worrisome is the behaviour of the PML-N which has twice been removed from power in the past as it duked it out with the PPP, unmindful of consequences. The way Punjab government has acted indicates it has learnt zilch from the past. Taking out protest marches is the right of every political party and civil society organisation and should not lead anyone to panic. Raiding PTI activists’ houses, impounding their bikes or causing them harassment to deter them from exercising the right to protest amounts to turning the province into a police state. The thoughtless moves can bring to naught the efforts being undertaken to defuse the crisis.

There is a need on the part of Imran Khan also to avoid making ultra constitutional demands. The two sides have to realise that if the stand-off continues beyond August 14, it would further hit the economy, cause law and order problems and deflect the army’s attention from the operation in NWA. The parties would thus be proving an excuse to those waiting in the wings to wrap up the system. There is an urgent need for the PML-N and PTI to reach a compromise before the start of the march so that there is no need for a sit in.

The two sides have to act fast. The best way is for the top leadership of the two parties to sit together with a will to resolve the differences. In case they are unable to do so they should ask the senior politicians currently mediating to act as arbitrators. For this both sides will have to accept the mediator’s verdict.