The need of the hour
The hope that the talks in the formation of the judicial commission would restart on Wednesday was unrealistic. The meeting between two leaders of the PML-N and PTI is now being projected as a breakthrough which is again too optimistic.
Imran Khan has promised to end the shutdowns under the so-called Plan C if the government goes ahead with appointing the judicial commission. But if anybody thinks the two sides are itching to put their signatures on an agreement in the first meeting, he is mistaken. Imran Khan wants a commission that would declare the elections rigged through a conspiracy to bring the PML-N in power at the expense of the PTI. The PML-N wants a commission which concludes that whatever rigging has taken place was caused by individual contestants as often happens in the elections.
Of crucial importance in the commission’s investigation are terms of reference (ToRs) framed to indicate the scope of the probe. Both sides would like the ToRs that help them achieve the desired results. In August the PM asked the CJ to form a three-member judicial commission to investigate PTI’s allegations. The government side knew that the apex court could not move till the nature and scope of the inquiry was decided through a consensus between the PML-N and PTI.
Unless there is some sort of compromise between the two sides, there would be no commission. Had Imran Khan not unilaterally called off the talks, a way out might have been thrashed out by now.
Imran Khan says he wants enquiry into rigging to ensure that the next elections are transparent. For this he needs to tell the two PTI members of the electoral reforms committee to attend its meetings while the PTI MNAs should return to the NA to ensure that the exercise is satisfactorily concluded at the earliest. Instead of challenging the validity of the entire elections, the PTI should adopt a more constructive approach. This may also lead to an agreement on opening the controversial constituencies.
