- Why can’t we let the system grow in an intervention free environment?
Political process remains skewed in Pakistan because it continues to be subjected to intervention by un-elected institutions. The constant monitoring and tutoring combined with frequent suspensions of the system has sapped its vitality while it has hindered political parties from acquiring maturity. Sometimes political parties fail to resolve their internecine disputes simply because they have not been allowed to act in an environment free of control and political engineering. Instead of discouraging the tendency to seek outside intervention, the unhealthy propensity is promoted by un-elected institutions. Some are waiting for an opportunity to occupy the turf that belongs to representative institutions and parties.
IHC has ruled Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui to be the lawful convener of the MQM-P rejecting Farooq Sattar’s claim to the office. The court had reserved the verdict in April after the counsel of the petitioner and respondents concluded their arguments. It has been announced on the last day for filing nomination papers for July 25 polls. It does not bode well for democracy if the decision regarding who is to head a political party is to be taken by the ECP or a court.
Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer has recused himself from his client’s corruption references at a time when the cases had entered a crucial stage. The SC had suggested that the hearings for the cases be held on a daily basis, even on Saturdays, and the trial completed within a month. The counsel says he cannot plead the case under such pressure while his client won’t accept justice done hurriedly. There is a need for the court to realise that justice needs to be seen to have been done in the high profile case even if it takes a little longer to conclude the trial.
Imran Khan was already under pressure from Reham Khan’s book which she has chosen to publish around the elections. Now comes the threat from former CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry who wants to rake up a quarter century old story. One wonders why he kept silent all this time only to take up the issue before the elections. This is bound to provide grist to conspiracy mills.
