What PTI’s response to JC report should have been

First of all, it is appreciable that Chairman Imran Khan in his press conference accepted the Judicial Commission report and praised the Chief Justice of Pakistan for his commitment. He was also right to criticise ECP for its inability to hold elections free of irregularities. Chairman also announced that PTI would now show real opposition to the government from the floor of the National Assembly. But when former unconstitutional core committee and now illegitimate interim organisers went on the talk shows, they presented a different narrative which negated the goodwill generated by the Chairman earlier in the day.

One of the senior members of the party went on a talk show and said that JC exercised the doctrine of necessity quoting a para from the JC report. But that para is related to consideration of the evidence, not the verdict derived from it. So I don’t think this argument will fly and help PTI.

Asad Umar went on Talat Hussain show and took the position that JC report had legally sanctioned the Parliament but it still lacked legitimacy without explaining on what bases. Well, if that is the case, then why is PTI going to the Parliament? So once again we are saying that politics that suits us is acceptable to us while respect of law is not. Meaning that if we really believe that legally and constitutionally the Parliament is illegitimate, then we should not participate in an illegal entity and resign from it.

Asad also presented the argument that if a court of law evicts a murderer, the person is still a criminal. This is a very serious position and can result in anarchy because judiciary is the entity that decides cases. And by delegitimising judiciary we are encouraging people to stop accepting their verdicts. On the other hand, if we feel judiciary is inefficient and incapable then we should prepare some plans for judicial reforms rather than delegitimising them especially at this sensitive time when a report is issued against our wishes.

Ali Zaidi took the same position in his Twitter post.

A national English daily published a statement of Governor Ch Sarwar rejecting JC report and insisting that mandate was stolen. How can Chairman accept it and a provincial organiser reject it? Makes no sense to me.

There is a widespread campaign on social media raising questions about capability and honesty of judiciary. Many of these comments are derogatory. Since our party has taken the same position, there will be perception that PTI is now targeting judiciary because the verdict was not in their favour. This is not good for party’s image.

Many of us have complained that PTI fails to develop a narrative that resonates with people and that damages party image. I would humbly suggest to the party to consider following:

• Instead of rigging we should start using the word irregularities because JC has established that.
• We should continue building pressure for electoral reforms in the light of irregularities highlighted by JC report.
• We should demand better organistion of ECP and seek action against those that committed irregularities in last elections.
• We need to accept the verdict of the JC and accept the mandate of the Parliament. Only then we can legitimately participate in the Parliament and become an effective opposition.
• Develop proposals for judicial reforms and it will be appreciated by people.

This is my on the record position and will be shared with all.

ABDUL QUAYYUM KHAN KUNDI

Islamabad