Imran Khan is doing no service to democracy with his stubborn, inflexible attitude
The PML-N government is much weaker today than it was after assuming power in June 2013. Among other things it has failed to cope with internal challenges due to its inability to take timely decisions and its inflexible approach. Its disregard for Parliament led some in the Opposition to take issues to the streets. If the PTI’s demands for opening recounting of votes in four constituencies had been accepted on time, the marches and sit-ins would not have gone on for four months. The ongoing agitation has damaged the economy, impaired social peace and has the potential of destabilising the state.
While the PM is expected to resolve crucial issues at home, he has spent enough precious time and tax-payers’ money on visits abroad. With things going out of control, the neglected Parliament came to the rescue of the government, only to be consigned to neglect again. Now the courts are expressing reservations over the government’s ability to govern. The LHC has suggested to the PML-N administration to quit if it is unable to maintain peace.
The PTI on its part has left no stone unturned to damage the system. It has called into question the integrity of the institutions of the state and has promoted mob politics. Instead of pursuing talks it called them off unilaterally. Imran Khan has now welcomed the appointment of the new CEC and his spokesperson says the party is ready for unconditional talks implying that it would hold talks with a pistol pointed at the government. Nawaz Sharif has meanwhile directed his team to resume the dialogue at the earliest. The talks should start immediately. Once these begin, one expects Khan to call off the agitation. Imran would do no service to democracy by insisting that irrespective of the findings of the proposed judicial commission, his MNAs will not return to the NA and his party would instead prepare for the elections. This amounts to keeping the pot boiling. Imran Khan needs to return to the NA along with his team.
