Keeping a check on politics
Panama Leaks issue which the opposition, particularly PTI, PAT and the lone ranger Sheikh Rashid are using as a whipping horse to garner public support for their anti-government campaign, particularly the family of the Prime Minister, is a wild goose chase in the opinion of many intellectuals, political commentators and those savvy of such scandalous issues of the past. They are of the considered view that the objective of the campaign is not to tackle or eliminate the rampant corruption or a serious and honest attempt to change the system of governance that breeds and nurtures a culture of graft, entitlement, nepotism and misuse of authority but to destabilise the PML (N) government or if possible to orchestrate its down fall by creating chaotic conditions in the country. This is what is known and characterised as politics of self-aggrandisement which has been the bane of democracy and socio-economic development in the country.
If history is any guide, such attempts by politicians and alliances of parties against the sitting governments, have invariably resulted in derailing of democracy and long time-spans of dictatorial rules which have done irretrievable damage to the process of national integration and unity. Regrettably, the politicians have failed to learn from the undesirable consequences of their shenanigans to the chagrin of the poor masses who have always looked up to them to change their economic and social situations.
It is almost two year now since Imran has been campaigning against the government with an explicit aim of getting to the corridors of power by hook or crook, notwithstanding the fact that all his allegations and charges against the government, state institutions including ECP and state functionaries were given a lie by the judicial commission and other forums like the Election Tribunals. First along with Tahir ul Qadri he staged 126 days long sit-in at Islamabad paralyzing the civic life which also affected the movement of the Supreme Court judges on the constitution avenue. What transpired during that sit in particularly the attacks on parliament building and PTV headquarters constituted acts of sedition and challenge to the state authority. But surprising the Supreme Court which has been taking suo moto notices of even the raise in price of sugar and petroleum products, acted like a bystander and the government also showed uncalled for leniency to their shenanigans, notwithstanding the fact that the Lahore High Court had declared their march and demands as unconstitutional.
Realising that there campaign was going nowhere and the umpire was no where visible to raise his finger, the sit-in was finally called off but not before it had caused incalculable economic loss to the country as well as made it a laughing stock among the international community who saw live the enactment of vandalism perpetrated on the state institutions. The tone and tenor of the language that Imran and Qadri used during the sit-ins, easily descended into the realm of indecency unbecoming of a politician of Imran’s stature and a religious scholar like Qadri.
Imran made himself a laughing stock by taking frequent somersaults on taken positions and due to his impulsive streak of hurling unsubstantiated allegations against whomsoever he conceived as an obstacle to his objective of reaching to corridors of power. Panama Leaks have given him yet another opportunity to have a swipe at the government and ever since their unfurling through the media, he has incessantly and vigorously been demanding accountability though he actually does not want it knowing fully well that his own accomplices and he himself has been guilty of owning off-shore companies. One really tends to appreciate his stubbornness in continuing his campaign notwithstanding the fact that his brand of politics has been rejected by the people as is evident from the AJK poll result despite his intensive election campaign as well as defeat in by- elections for NA and PA seats, local bodies elections and thin attendance at rally in Rawalpindi on 13th August.
Qadri is back again for the second assault against the government in connivance with Imran Khan supported by political parasites like Sheikh Rashid from Rawalpindi. All three have a common enemy in the person of Nawaz Sharif and hence their getting together. There rallies of 3rd September in Lahore and Rawalpindi failed to attract the envisaged crowds which indicate dwindling support for their cause if there is any. However these rallies caused disruption in civic life in both the cities and put the public at great hardship. The language used in these rallies would even put the street urchins to shame. To add to the unending ordeal and orgy of the masses the TV channels accorded live coverage to these lackluster rallies that went well into mid-night.
Holding public rallies and opposing government policies and protesting against corruption in the echelons of the government or by the political leaders in power is the democratic right of the opposition provided it is done properly, peacefully without causing public disorder and creation of chaotic conditions that can lead to bloody-confrontation. These parties now have announced to hold a ‘dharna’ in front of the private residence of the Prime Minister after Eid. This kind of action cannot be condoned or accepted as it might lead to confrontation between the supporters of the PML (N) and the protesting parties, as is evident from the charged atmosphere and the statement of leaders from both sides. There is a possibility that in retaliation for the actions of PAT and PTI, the PML (N) workers might also besiege Imran’s residence at Bani Gala and some ugly situation might again crop at the headquarters of Minhaj ul Quran in Lahore. One must not forget that PML (N) has a strong support base in Punjab.
It is indeed a very dangerous situation and needs the intervention of the Supreme Court in the public interest. Imran and Qadri must be stopped from staging a sit-in at the private residence of the Prime Minister. The government has not stopped them from holding their rallies. It has rather facilitated them by providing necessary security in view of credible evidence of acts of terrorism during the rallies and the threat to the lives of the concerned leaders. These parties have already filed references with ECP for the disqualification of the Prime Minister and also with the Supreme Court which are the proper forums for redress of their grievances. Other forums to probe criminal activities are also available to them. Under the circumstances they need to revisit their strategy.
The Supreme Court must also act quickly before it is too late. It must particularly take notice of the activities of Qadri who being a dual national is neither entitled to contest elections in this country nor participate in political activities that lead to creation of law and order situation in the country, causing inconvenience to the masses. Lahore High Court decision of 13th August 2014 and Supreme Court decision on petition filed by Qadri for reconstitution of ECP are sufficient reasons to act against the Canada returned cleric.