Nawaz should take a rest
After it was known that Nawaz Sharif was seriously ill and required open heart surgery all top leaders across the political divide sent messages wishing him a speedy recovery. In the case of Nawaz Sharif, who is 66 now, recovery might take a number of weeks. He will have to avoid any hectic activity during the period, including lengthy discussions that might cause psychological stress. The parliamentary session has already been convened to discuss the budget. To start with, the prime minister would be required to preside over the mandatory meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC). Later he would be called upon to verify the budget statement. To avoid unnecessary stress, the prime minister needs to get one of his party leaders elected by the National Assembly to replace him till he returns to Pakistan in good health.
The Prime Minister House, however, maintains that despite being under treatment in Britain Sharif has been overseeing the government’s affairs with the assistance of his principal secretary, military secretary and other staff members. As the PM was undergoing several tests in the hospital and was required to move from place to place, one does not expect him to be fully concentrating on his work. Equally questionable is the claim that he has been in constant touch with the federal ministers, cabinet members and others concerned. One does not expect the prime minister to supervise the NEC meeting through media link from a London hospital.
There are a number of ministers close to the prime minister who can perform his functions during his brief absence. Some of the opposition parties had demanded that the prime minister hand over his office to someone else till the Panama issue is settled. Does he suspect that once he obliges, the opposition might demand the continuation of the arrangement over a longer period? Nawaz Sharif’s insistence on keeping the reins of power in his own hands even when he is hospitalised could imply that either he considers himself indispensable or doubts the loyalty of his colleagues.
Why not ? We are a democratic country and have a system. If parties are run in the name of deads ( like PPP) and those in exile – Mr 10% and Altaf Hussain. Altaf hussain is even giving MQM a target of Bhatta to be collected, specially in the holy month of Ramzan (two billion) and targets to be eliminated. PM can also run the affairs of the country from the Hospital bed.
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