Putting the system at risk
For those who are dissatisfied with the performance of the PML-N government the way out is to prepare to turn the tables against the ruling party in next elections due in less than two years. One can understand a politically backward person praying for an army takeover and garlanding those who overthrow an elected government. But one does not expect the leader of a mainstream party to say that people will distribute sweets if this government was to be shown the door after a military coup. Some are likely to interpret the statement as an expression of deep frustration. Imran Khan’s political opponents are likely to ask if he has lost hope of winning the election and would be contented to play the role of a Shaukat Aziz.
There have been differences between the government and the army. Two years back the army being unhappy with the PML-N’s unproductive policy of talks with the militants initiated the operation against the the TTP on its own and the government was forced to support it. Last year the Punjab government warded off the move to induct the Rangers in Punjab with special powers enjoyed by them in Karachi. This year there are reports about the army being unhappy over the slow progress of CPEC and has sought a role in its implementation. The government however is adamant on keeping it firmly within its control to project it during the elections as a major achievement. The government is also unhappy with the activism and visibility of the military leadership in formulating the country’s internal and external security policies. Is Imran Khan hoping to benefit from these differences?
The parliamentary opposition was united over the issue of Panama leaks. As none of the other parties agrees with Imran Khan’s point of view favouring military takeover there was no sense in making the divisive statement at this time. The statement will convey the message that despite paying lip service to democracy Imran Khan can put the system at risk to reach the corridors of power.
oont re oont teri kon se kal seedhi
Much ado about nothing… We all know what IK meant, that compared to a popular government such as the one in Turkey, where millions came out to show their disgust for the attempted coup, Pakistanis will not come out to condemn because they have been so ill-served by the goons in power. Let's not divert the attention from the serious lack of honesty and leadership Pakistanis have to live with.
Only in Pakistan and by a media so easily bought do we get this kind of total nonsensical spin on a straightforward observation.
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