IN the backdrop of widely held perception that the opposition was in disarray and was unable to play even its constitutional role, top leadership of the two major parties – PPP and PML(N) – met in Karachi to decide joining of hands for holding much-talked-about All Parties Conference (APC) and against accountability process, which, they dubbed as political vendetta. There was also an understanding to consult with other like-minded parties through the platform of Rahbar Committee that the opposition had formed sometime back to discuss and chalk about consensus plan of action on different issues.
The development is indicative of heightened political activity in near future if seen in conjunction with attitude of the ruling party towards opposition and activation of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) despite a strong ruling by the apex court. In a democracy, the opposition has a role, which it must play to help safeguard rights and interests of the people and such a role also contributes towards realization of the goal of good governance. However, the vicious cycle of destabilization of every government in power on this or that pretext should come to an end and someone will have to make a beginning for that purpose. With this in view, the understanding reached between the two main political parties has silver-lining as they have decided to jointly resist what they perceive ‘high-handedness’ of the Government but they also renewed their commitment to adhere to democratic principles and use of all constitutional means to advance their cause. As PML(N) leadership visited Karachi, which has badly been affected by urban flooding, there was also discussion on the overall situation arising out of rains and floods. The two parties also emphasized that there should be no politics on the issue of sufferings of the people due to natural calamities and instead all parties should extend support for measures aimed at mitigating effect of climate change and extreme weather conditions. The strategy adopted by the Federal Government to play an effective role in handling the situation in Karachi while taking the provincial government on board is being appreciated by well-wishers of the country. However, statements like the one that sees the opposition and India on the same page on the issue of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) are not helpful and could pollute the environment further. Both PPP and PML(N) have served Pakistan and together they represent majority of people of the country and, therefore, attempts to cast aspersions on their loyalty to Pakistan need to be avoided.
