To talk or to swear?
It is quite surreal: dharnas, shutdowns and abuses on one hand and talks on the other. While the ruling party and the PTI have resumed talking, life in the hapless Isalmic Republic remains disrupted owing both to the recalcitrance of the Khan and imperviousness of the ruling elite.
Thanks to the absence of PML-N sponsored goons, Karachi was not a replay of Faisalabad. Both the PPP-led Sindh government and the de facto rulers of Karachi, the MQM, had assured the PTI that they could go ahead with their shutdown provided it remained peaceful.
It would have been appropriate if the PTI had postponed its shutdown call after formal talks had begun. Major disruption in life and incalculable loss to the economy as a result of PTI’s relentless plan-C could have been avoided.
But it seems that the PTI is bent upon relentlessly perusing its dual agenda of talks and disruption at the same time. The Khan, like the proverbial bull in a china shop, plans to shut down Lahore tomorrow. Unfortunately, inflated egos on both sides are ruling the roost.
But the government, that has more to lose in the imbroglio, has shown a remarkable propensity towards bullheadedness. ‘Khadim-e-Aalaa’, the chief minister of Punjab who prides himself on his single-minded competence, has been the biggest disappointment.
The kind of language used by PML-N ministers and spokesmen pre-Faisalabad, and crores of rupees spent on a spurious advertising campaign to discredit Imran and his cohorts, amply demonstrated that the government had pressed the panic button
What kind of mindset would allow Rana Sanaullah and his goons to play havoc in Faisalabad by confronting PTI workers? The Rana, after his ostensible involvement in the Lahore massacre of PAT workers in June (in which at least 14 people died), should have been seen nowhere near Faisalabad.
The kind of language used by PML-N ministers and spokesmen pre-Faisalabad, and crores of rupees spent on a spurious advertising campaign to discredit Imran and his cohorts, amply demonstrated that the government had pressed the panic button.
That talks were in the offing was obvious to all. The prime minister was giving signals that they would take place soon. But the government image-makers deliberately created the perception that the PTI was now somehow desperate for talks.
First Ishaq Dar, the virtual deputy prime minister, maintained that the government would only talk once Imran was through with his threatened million marches on Islamabad on November 30. Post Islamabad, the offer to negotiate was withheld on the pretext that they would be held after PTI’s Faisalabad shutdown.
Thanks to the infantile strategy adopted by the Punjab government, PTI was able to achieve much more than it had hoped for. Not only Faisalabad was successfully shut down, cynically speaking, Rana Sanaullah and company provided them with a dead body to boot.
There is a lot of mystery about the identity of the killer of the PTI worker, despite the fact that he is shown in full glare of all television channels shooting his victim. The culprit has simply vanished in thin air. Obviously, those who matter in the province are harbouring him.
Surprisingly, Imran did not raise the ante post Faisalabad. The core committee of PTI, despite vociferous opposition by the majority, decided to resume talks with the government. Similarly, the PTI supremo, who had arrived very late on the fateful day in Faisalabad, conveniently absented himself from the ‘janaza’ of the victim the next day.
Thankfully, better sense had prevailed on both sides, not so much for the love of democracy but because they were advised by those who matter to get down to the serious business of negotiations. Perhaps the establishment, seeing the emergence of a populist leader in Imran, smells another Bhutto in the making?
Unlike pre July 1977 negotiations between the combined opposition PNA (Pakistan National Alliance) and Bhutto’s beleaguered PPP, the military under General Raheel Sharif seems not too interested in manipulating politicians with the ultimate goal of taking over the reins.
With the so-called Kayani doctrine still in place, it is perhaps satisfied with having its pound of flesh by playing the role of an honest broker. Both Imran Khan and the government should not test the patience of the military and the people at large.
The stumbling block was the question of immediate resignation of the prime minister. The PTI has thankfully withdrawn this demand. It is termed as a major concession to the government
Widespread disruption in large cities and a pervasive sense of uncertainty cannot be tolerated for long. Something will have to give in.
Before that happens the government and the PTI should cut a deal without wasting more time. According to both the parties, during the aborted negotiations in September, five-and-a-half points were agreed upon.
The stumbling block was the question of immediate resignation of the prime minister. The PTI has thankfully withdrawn this demand. It is termed as a major concession to the government.
The complexion of the proposed Supreme Judicial Commission to probe the 2013 elections, however, remains a sticking point. Ishaq Dar has offered to form a commission under the defunct 1956 Constitution provision, whereas the PTI wants the job done through an ordinance and by including ISI, MI (military intelligence) and IB (Intelligence bureau) in the proposed commission.
Of course, intelligence sleuths sitting with the judges as members of a commission would transform the proposed body into a chimerical authority. Nonetheless, it is up to the government to suggest such TORS (terms of reference) that could satisfy the PTI.
Ishaq Dar, conceding that if widespread and organised rigging in the 2013 elections is proved beyond doubt as a result of the probe the PML-N government will resign, should be enough satisfy PTI hawks. Nonetheless, there is need to immediately lower the temperature in order to create the right atmosphere for talks.
Even warring nations, when they talk, agree to a ceasefire. The Khan should do the same. He should seriously consider suspending his dharnas and shutdowns.
There is also an urgent need to end the verbal sparring. How can you empower your people to talk with those whom you abuse at the top of your voice every evening? Enough is enough.
The Sharifs should also rein in their goons, both on the electronic media as well as on the streets. Similarly, the infantile’ “go Nawaz go” campaign should also end.
Imran should be more than satisfied that he has inexorably damaged the Sharif brand. He must now concentrate not only on the election probe but also on the reform agenda of the very process.
The nation deserves a respite from confrontational politics. If carried further it could destroy the very system that can usher the Khan in power.
The PTI should withdraw its resignations and return to the parliament to implement its reform agenda if it really means business. Otherwise, like in the past, its movement would only result in a Pyrrhic victory.
