It’s a drama, alright!
Perhaps instead of criticising the other, if either the KPK or the federal government took the initiative in terms of controlling the IDP situation, the more accommodative party would score more political points. Yet the government-PTI standoff has descended to levels where even the IDPs are fair game as far as political point-scoring is concerned. That neither is willing to take responsibility for an issue as important as IDPs – they are part and parcel of Zarb-e-Azb, the existential fight – is disturbing. Imran keeps saying it is the centre’s responsibility, while the information minister always shoots back that the provincial government must take the lead.
Innocent refugees, meanwhile, suffer. And interestingly, Marvi Memon’s sit-in drew the “drama” comment from Imran Khan. While he may be right to an extent, he forgets that the dharna in Islamabad, too, invites similar comments, and not always without reason. The IDPs situation is made worse by the uncertainty regarding their return. Initially, when the operation took off with impressive momentum, it was hoped that their ordeal would be short. Yet several months into the operation, the latest we have heard is that NW is now 90 per cent secure, and refugees will be allowed back soon. But still there is nothing definitive.
PML-N and PTI, meantime, are advised to work together, at least on the IDP issue. Of course, a workable environment cannot be created till there is a de-escalation in hostilities. That means that Imran will have to tone down his rhetoric and indulge in serious talks with the government. To his credit, the dharna has impressed upon the government that some things will have to change if it is to complete its term. Instead of wasting this window, Imran and his party should now focus on what demands to push hard and what manner of reforms is possible from such interaction. Continuing with the confrontation, on the other hand, might make for a longer drama, but it’s unlikely to achieve practical results.