Take something seriously
The government should take the SCBA president’s not so subtle reminder about its responsibilities with regard to the CCI seriously. The Council is, after all, a “vital constitutional machinery of the federation”, as the warning rightly noted, and it was not too long ago that the Supreme Court upheld Benazir Bhutto’s second government’s dismissal for not fulfilling CCI obligations. So far the Nawaz government has treated CCI pretty much as it has treated other central elements of democracy; without much care.
Yet while repeatedly ignoring the National Assembly, for example, can draw little more than opposition and media outcry, the CCI is a different matter. The Supreme Court has set a precedent equating ignoring it with undermining constitutional arrangements and usurping provincial authority. Still, the government is reluctant to hold mandated quarterly meetings, even though the matter is like tinder about to catch fire. All it will take is for a disgruntled party to raise the matter with the Supreme Court, and the ‘due process’ will bring its share of irritants – another one of those ‘unforced errors’ the N-league is becoming known for.
The Senate chairman has also been repeatedly vocal about the matter. For some reason, the government seems unbothered about giving political mileage to the opposition. The Council is essential not just for policy matters, but also mediating between provinces. The latter is where the government takes a particular hit, especially of late since CPEC related problems have erupted across the board. The prime minister is advised to take note of such lapses lest they snowball into bigger problems than the government can handle at this point. It must not only follow proper procedure regarding CCI, but also uphold the sanctity of institutions like the House. The ruling party has made a habit of restricting important decision making to the kitchen cabinet. This must end or there will, clearly, be consequences.
