Getting rid of the yes man a move for the better
Imran Khan took a courageous step by announcing an end to the MPAs’ discretionary funds for development. The practice had been introduced by Zia ul Haq to strengthen the nursery of loyalists raised by him by putting development funds at their disposal. Thus, the main aim of the members of the assemblies became undertaking public works in their constituencies instead of making policies. Zia filled the assemblies with sycophants who had little appetite for politics and a vested interest in keeping the military dictator in power. Since they had little comprehension of national issues or international affairs they willingly handed these matters over to the military ruler.
The tradition of allotting development funds to lawmakers continued under the elected governments also. Over time these came to be considered by the parliamentarians as one of their indispensable privileges. One of the negative impacts of this Zia era remnant is that it has brought into the assemblies a whole lot of deputies whose vision does not extend their limited constituencies. Their interest in parliamentary proceedings is marginal – this is indicated by frequent quorum breaks witnessed in the National Assembly. Meanwhile, the practice has weakened the political parties’ interest in the local governments as witnessed by delay in holding the bodies’ elections. Even when forced to hold elections by the Supreme Court, the ruling parties have shown unwillingness to transfer funds to local governments.
If implemented in letter and spirit, the step taken by Imran Khan will strengthen democracy. It will also encourage the parties to give tickets to ‘capables’ rather than ‘electables’. This would result in better attendance in the assemblies and more enlightened debates. Once it is understood that the legislators are meant only to make laws, there will be fewer who would spend fantastic amounts on campaigns, thus contesting elections would become affordable.
Imran Khan’s word is not law. There is therefore a need to provide the announcement a legal cover to remove chances of its being sabotaged. There is also a need on the part of the PMLN and PPP to follow suit.