The PML-N leadership in pressure cooker

What’s next?

Nawaz Sharif, his two sons and daughter have failed to appear before an accountability court. While PML-N sympathisers justify their absence on the ground that they were looking after the ailing Kalsoom Nawaz, Maryam’s advice to her father indicates there is more to it than catches the eye. She has asked Nawaz Sharif not to appear before the accountability court as what is going on “in the garb of accountability” is a political and personal victimisation. This is exactly the justification given by Musarraf to avoid appearing in the court. In the case of the PML-N leaders it is all the more untenable as their party is ruling over the country.

Meanwhile bailable arrest warrants have been issued for Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for proceeding abroad instead of facing the court. Authorities have been directed to arrest and produce the minister on September 25. Within hours of the court orders, NAB directed freezing Dar’s assets for failure to appear before the bench. Whether Dar turns up at the court on the next date is anybody’s guess.

On Thursday Lahore High Court ordered the publication of Model Town enquiry report authored by a LHC judge who had concluded that police had acted on government orders which led to the killing of at least 14 PAT activists. One expects the CM of Punjab to carry out the courts orders instead of indulging in delaying tactics. One also hopes that the Punjab CM will remain in the country instead of proceeding abroad like others.

It is an altogether new situation in Pakistan where top leaders are under investigation for corruption and misuse of authority. The positive side is that a new leadership from the ruling party has replaced those who are under clouds including the Prime Minister without hassle. The negative thing is that certain elements from the PML-N are indulging in poisonous propaganda about their own party. The new PM and FM have so far ably defended Pakistan’s position in the US while maintaining that Pakistan is keen to work with the US without abandoning its national interests.