Brace yourselves
The government and the opposition need to find a way to resolve their differences before they are seen pushing the system down the precipice. On Monday, the government first refused to allow the opposition to take up the issue of Panama Papers at the joint parliamentary session which had been convened to discuss the PIA bill. It however showed flexibility when it found the opposition adamant on discussing the matter. What is more, it also accepted the opposition’s demands which led to the passage of the bill turning the PIA into a limited company. Before the bill was passed Ishaq Dar held a meeting with opposition reps outside the House to assure them that the government would fulfill the promises made to the opposition regarding the PIA employees.
Differences persist, however, on the judicial commission proposed by the government. The opposition demands that the commission comprise the present CJ and sitting judges instead of retired members of judiciary. What is more, the commission includes specialists in white collar crime helped by forensic audit experts. Unless there is an agreement on the shape of the Commission and its TORS, there is little likelihood of the resolution of the ongoing government-opposition standoff. This will have negative consequences for the system
Imran Khan has once more threatened the government with agitation if the demand is not accepted. The PTI is trying to enlist the support of the PPP in the venture. In case the PPP agrees to join hands, a beleaguered government might try to woo the JUIF to further strengthen its position. The least the JUIF would demand is the watering down of the Punjab Women Protection Law and two other measures concerning women which are awaiting consensus. By doing this the PMLN would compromise on its newly acquired ‘liberal’ stance. Isolated and under attack the PMLN government is likely to yield further ground to the army in foreign affairs and security matters. It is time government and opposition reach a compromise.
