Monday, May 19, 2008, Jamadi-ul-Awwal 12, 1429    

Political crisis

Fazal Hakeem

The nation is really disturbed over the parting ways on restoration of superior courts judges between the main coalition partners. 12 May was the deadline for restoration of deposed Chief Justice and other judges. President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has said that independent judiciary is not possible without reinstatement of Chief justice Iftikhar M. Chaudhry. Appointment of new Punjab Governor has also estranged the main coalition partners. PML(N) has termed the appointment conspiracy for not consulting it. PPP claims that President PML(N) was taken into confidence over the appointment of Salamn Taseer as the new Governor. The new government has to tackle a number of challenges to put the country on the path of development. The country is already confronting the economic crisis. The power shortage has badly effected the industrial production. Optimism is being expressed to control energy crisis by August. The Prime Minister in an interview has stated that efforts are underway to control the food inflation. The government working on a people oriented budget by controlling the mismanagement The government is also committed to revive the 1973 constitution and ensure the supremacy of parliament.

In the aftermath of 18 February elections, people pinned their hopes in the new civilian government to have a stable, democratic and prosperous Pakistan. The main coalition partners- PPP (Parliamentarians) and PML (N) could not bridged their differences over the method of reinstatement of Superior Courts judges devised in consultation with legal fraternity. On the day of departure for London by the leadership of PML(N) and PPP(Parliamentarians), central PML(N) leader Mr. Javed Hashmi had warned if the judges were not restored by 12 May, the parliament would not survive even five months. He stated “ a courageous “no “ on March 9, 2007, changed the history of the country. Sustainable economic development is always the ultimate goal. It can be achieved in an environment of political stability and efficient law and order. No saner element would consider prolongation of political crisis good for national economy. Press reports about delay in budget presentation will badly damaged the confidence of business community. Food inflation and extraordinary rise in oil prices in the economic history has pushed the cost of production high. Mismanagement in supply of electricity both to domestic consumers and industry may cause drastic cut to achieve the GDP target.

Under the Murree Declaration, PML(N) and PPP(Parliamentarians) were agreed to restore the Superior Courts judges to pre-3 November, 2007 position. The decision was a manifestation of political maturity and love for rule of law. The declaration had reconciled the ideological divide between the main coalition partners. Independent judiciary is a guarantee to ensure constitutionalism, rule of law, respect for human and fundamental rights and free but responsible media. The purpose of the coalition and reconciliation was to take the nation forward and not to repeat the past mistakes. It was and is the only viable option.

Prime Minister Syed has already warned political parties to remain above petty differences and work for a better future of the country. He cited poor economy, wheat crisis, energy shortage and inflation as some of the most pressing challenges which demand immediate action. No doubt, London’s Charter of Democracy signed in May 2006 was a “vision of reconciliation”. The political leadership, therefore, is supposed to be committed to restore the 1973 constitution, ensure independence of judiciary and media.

Terrorism and militancy are the main challenges that have badly affected the national fabric. Comprehensive policy against terrorism/militancy of political engagement will greatly help in combating the menace. Military action alone would never deliver. Negotiations with tribal leadership are aimed to restore normalcy and to dispel the unfounded impression that the tribal areas could become a safe heaven for the terrorists and militant. Though US mandarins claim that US as a single biggest Market , largest sources of remittance, the largest donor and the scale of investments in Pakistan are indicative of long term partnership. Expressing doubts at Pakistan’s anti-terror strategy is not only unwarranted but intentional ignorance of ground realities. It is a message that what the government of Pakistan does is best strategy rather to give importance to foreign self-centered recipes. Pakistan tribal belt has not and will never be safe heaven of the imaginary future terrorist activities.

The ANP provincial government and a coalition partner at the centre reaching an agreement with Maulala Fazlullah is a good precedent to ensure lasting peace in volatile areas of NWFP. The Nation knows that restive Swat once used to be a most peaceful and local/foreign tourists abode remained in the grip of bloodshed. The local admn was literally hostage by the Maulalna’s loyalists. PML(N) decision to quite the federal cabinet over the restoration of judges. Its negative repercussions on all provincial government cannot be ruled out. PML(N) has however, vowed not to derail and destabilize the democratic process. Quaid of PML(N) has appealed the lawyers, political workers and students to continue their struggle for restoration of judges. The PML(N) Chief shrugged off any foreign pressure on national issues. He said that judges issue had been gripping the nation for the last 14 months. The Supreme Court had restored the Chief Justice and other 60 judges on 20 July last year. The PML(N) contested the General elections on restoration of judges and wants unconditional, dignified and honourable return of judges rather to destabilize the government.

PPP Co-Chairman has refuted the possibility of cooperation with PML(Q). And indicated to hold dialogues with Chief PML(N) as there was no conflict between the two parties. He termed the differences just over the procedure of reinstatement of the deposed judges. PPP does not favor to see the PML(N) on opposition benches. PPP spokesman stated there was no doubt that sacked judges would have to be to restored.

Political instability creeps many malaise. It not only shakes the confidence of the general public but also country’s image. Consequently, the political leadership of smaller parties resort to provincialism to exploit the people sentiments. Provincial autonomy is not bad. It was also the commitment under 1940 Lahore Resolution and essence of the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946. In Pakistan’s perspective, demand for provincial autonomy by Nationalist parties in particular is caused by the political culture and political leadership approach. In his 100 days agenda, the Prime Minister stressed the need for granting autonomy to the provinces. And also promised to delete the concurrent list from the Fourth schedule of the constitution. It is good that PML(N), PPP along with ANP and JUI are unanimous over the issue of provincial autonomy.

Time demands that the main coalition partners should exhibit statesmanship quality and resolve the differences. In case the PML(N) and PPP could not reach any compromise, grave consequences would lead to destabilization.