Sharifs to come into Assemblies’ folds
IN an unexpected but refreshing development, the Returning Officers
concerned accepted nomination papers of PML(N) Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz
Sharif, President of the Party Mian Shahbaz Sharif and other members of
Sharif family, clearing the way for them to contest the forthcoming
by-elections and make their way to National Assembly and Punjab
Assembly.
It would be premature to read too much into the twist of the events
leading to acceptance of the papers of Sharif brothers who could not
contest general elections because at that time their nomination papers
were rejected on apparently flimsy and unconvincing grounds. Barring
Sabzazaar case, which has been withdrawn by the complainant, other
reasons that constituted basis for rejection of their papers are still
there and one doesn’t know what happens if acceptance of their
nomination papers is challenged by their rivals during appeal phase of
the process. But on the face of it, the decision to allow the top
leadership of one of the main parties to contest elections is quite
encouraging and in line with the dictates of the time. At a time when
President Pervez Musharraf, PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and some
other circles take credit of the so-called national reconciliation,
there was absolutely no justification to keep towering personalities
like Mian Nawaz Sharif and Mian Shahbaz Sharif out of the assemblies. In
fact, it was one of the factors that had embittered the national
politics and it was time that every leader and every party should get a
level playing field particularly when there is democracy in the country.
In this backdrop, it is appreciable that the PPP chief, Mr Zardari has
not only extended felicitations to Sharifs but also expressed his desire
to address their election meetings. We hope that the Government was
sincere in this regard and there would be no road-blocks in the days to
come to stall a good process. In that case, Mian Nawaz Sharif is certain
to win elections for National Assembly and Mian Shahbaz Sharif that of
the Punjab Assembly. Their presence in the two Houses would definitely
enhance strength, prestige and credibility of these legislatures. This
is because both the brothers have long political experience and maturity
to play their role in the consolidation of the democratic process and
supremacy of the parliamentary institutions. They are seasoned
politicians with rich parliamentary and administrative experience
spanning over decades. If things go well, Mian Shahbaz Sharif is going
to take charge as Chief Minister of the Punjab and this would be a
welcome development. This is because the province needs a strong
administrator who has the capability to deliver in the face of rampant
corruption, smuggling, hoarding, black-marketing and soaring crime rate. |
