Unwise, unnecessary strategy
Nawaz Shrif clearly believes that a good offense is the best defence. At least that seems to be the strategy in response to the present wave of opposition pressure – drag the process of the Panama inquiry forever and go on a PR offensive against opposition parties questioning the prime minister’s credibility. But the direction of his attacks has left a little to be desired of late, to say the least. The outburst in Sukkur was particularly revealing; when he compared the protesting opposition to terrorists, since both, according to the PM, are out to sabotage the government’s development drive.
Posturing is very important in politics and experts all over the world attach great importance to leaders’ body language, choice of words, choice of occasion, etc. In this sense Nawaz’s harsh criticism of opposition pressure was enlightening at multiple levels. For one thing, it is an acceptance that the government is without a proactive response to this particular predicament. For another, it also shows that the opposition has suddenly become as deadly for the government as the terrorists out to bring it down. That, in reality, does not strengthen Nawaz Sharif or the ruling party. Instead, it unnecessarily betrays weakness in the PML-N.
Also, the PM is displaying a distinct dislike for the opposition’s basic parliamentary responsibility; which is to fault and criticise the government whenever it crosses certain lines. There can be no denying that pertinent and relevant questions have been raised about the PM’s family’s financial dealings. It is also true that this process was not initiated inside Pakistan. Why, then, is the ruling party so upset with the opposition that, quite rightly, asks for an investigation? While the ruling party has struggled with this answer, it has unwisely made statements and gestures that only hurt its own cause. The Sukkur eruption was just such a blunder.