When will they learn how politics works
What the PML-N government faces today is in no small measure due to some of its self-righteous and abrasive ministers who confuse rudeness with uprightness. Even at a time when the government is in a tight corner and tactful handling of the situation is required, one minister after another has acted like a loose cannon. Ahsan Iqbal’s vitriolic remarks against the PTI lawmakers while addressing Parliament were highly uncalled for and in fact counterproductive at a time when the government was trying hard to reach an understanding with the PTI and PAT. With Sirajul Haq having called on government ministers several times to be careful in their statements, the remarks must have made difficult the task of the opposition parties’ political jirga, currently negotiating with the protesters’ leadership.
Even more irresponsible and damaging were Ch Nisar Ali Khan’s uncalled for and highly questionable accusations against Senator Aitzaz Ahsan. The PPP, the largest opposition party in Parliament, has strongly supported the Prime Minister at a time when he is under mounting pressure to resign. The PPP has done this despite opposition from its leaders in Punjab and KP who are unhappy with the treatment meted out to them by the PML-N. Politicians are required to win over people including those who may not entirely agree with them. Even when provoked they have to keep themselves under control. They have to argue their case patiently and convince those disagreeing with them that despite their views they are pleasant and well behaved persons.
When Imran Khan asked for recounting in four constituencies he was ridiculed. So were Tahirul Qadri and Ch Shujaat Hussain when they announced alliance in London. The Prime Minister and Mian Shahbaz Sharif have apologised over Nisar’s tirade against Aitzaz. Why didn’t Nisar do this himself? Simply because he is unable to admit that he can ever go wrong. It is time Ch Nisar and his ilk imbibe a modicum of democratic sensibility.
