PML-N’s failings might prove to be their downfall
The Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) took recourse to unconstitutional ways to seek the removal of the PML-N administration. The government on its part reacted with high-handedness. This led on one hand to lawlessness and on the other to recourse to measures that have caused suffering to common people.
Tahirul Qadri had been itching to effect a government change through extra-constitutional means from the beginning of the year. In January, hoping to ingratiate himself with the powers that be, he opposed Musharraf’s trial describing it as victimisation. In his May 11 address from Canada, Qadri challenged the legitimacy of the government, National Assembly and the entire system and called for revolution. In June Qadri met PML-Q leadership in London where both sides agreed to initiate a movement to send the government home in July. His latest shenanigans include, among others, forcing the city of Lahore, along with many others, to be put under siege by the law enforcement machinery, holding a gathering of thousands in Model Town for the next three days as he announced last night, using language that incites violence, and announcing to march to the Capital on 14th August.
Instead of dealing with the PAT tactfully, the PLM-N government went overboard. The police firing on PAT workers outside party headquarters is one example. The way Qadri’s plane was diverted to Lahore is another. Instead of dealing with the threat posed by Qadri politically, the government decided to deal with it administratively. It must have found out by now that while containers and concertina wires cause hassle to common people and lead to public resentment, these cannot stop motivated activists from congregating. The government would do well not to deal with Imran Khan’s march with similar administrative methods.
Imran Khan needs to realise that Qadri’s workers, who will also be out on the march on August 14, can be more of a liability than an asset. Being the leader of a mainstream party he is expected to act responsibly. The national security conference has underlined the need for fight against terrorism and extremism. To succeed in this the army, government and opposition have to be on the same page. For this the government needs to make necessary compromises instead of restricting legitimate political activity. The opposition has to be careful. None should be allowed to weaken the system.
