The squabbling needs to end
The opposition is united over the rejection of the ToRs for the Judicial Commission announced by the government. There is also unanimity among all opposition parties represented in Parliament on key issues including formation of the Commission under a new law, forensic audit, completion of the probe within three months and conducting the investigation of the Prime Minster and his family first. As the demand for the resignation of the Prime Minister is not a part of the declaration made by Aitzaz Ahsan, this creates the required space for talks on the ToRs between the government and the Opposition. The formation of the Commission under a new law is also not possible without an understanding between the two sides.
It does no suit either side to prolong the confrontation through rallies or fiery statements, more so in the case of the government which would not be able to showcase its claims of ending the load-shedding and economic turnaround if the confrontation prolongs. Whatever the outcome of a long battle, it is likely to weaken the position of the government vis-a-vis the army and increase its dependence on elements opposed to some of its key reforms like those connected with women’s rights and conduct of the NAP. The prolongation of the confrontation will also deprive of the people of whatever benefits are likely to accrue to them from the strengthening of democracy, stability and economic progress.
The opposition too will be held responsible for any possible damage to the system in case it insists on prolonging the conflict. Its claims of having learnt from its mistakes will become questionable. There are already voices which maintain that accountability at the cost of stability and democracy is unacceptable. The government and the opposition have to be wary of agent provocateurs in their ranks who want to add fuel to the fire in pursuit of their peculiar interests. The best way is for the two sides to agree to jointly formulate ToRs through talks which should begin at the earliest.
What has the PM got to loose.? His resignation is not called for! His credibility will be strengthened if he is proved innocent and he will win the next election with flying colours. The more he digs in the more he strengthens the impression that he has something to hide. He may be legally ?right but morally he is wrong. Let us put this circus to an end. This will be the litmus test for democracy.
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