Is this the way?
Many were stunned when Imran Khan announced shutting down the major cities first and then the entire country. How could the leader of the third largest party in parliament close down the business centres, educational institutions and government offices all over Pakistan? This was bound to cause inestimable losses to the national economy, besides bringing a bad name to the country. The plan was later revised and Khan announced that during the shutdown businesses will remain open and schools and hospitals will continue to function. Only the big arteries of the cities will be closed.
What the PTI has done in Faisalabad and Karachi is a violation of the undertakings given by Imran Khan. What one is going to see in Lahore would be no different. What Imran Khan wants is not only the appointment of the judicial commission but also the acceptance of ToRs dictated by him. In case the commission is appointed whatever remains of the Plan-C would be shelved. The sit in at Islamabad will, however, continue as a pressure on the commission to deliver a judgment in PTI’s favour.
The PTI chief needs to realise that it is a highly irresponsible act to damage the economy. In case the government looks on passively at whatever Imran Khan is doing, a perception is bound to be created that the entire political class is unable to run the country. This would strengthen the hands of those waiting in the wings to wrap up the system. Is this the way to ensure that the next elections are rigging free?
While the government needs to move with care, Imran Khan too has to act responsibly. The last time democracy suffered a setback, it took nine years to restore it. Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan have to realise that booth of them would be blamed if the system meets with an accident on account of their fighting.