MINDFUL of the fact that the political tension could derail the process of putting the economy back on track, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed not to allow anybody to create instability in the country. He was receiving a briefing from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on the post-PTI rally situation in the Federal Capital. The PM said economic development and prosperity remain top priorities of the government but the political opponents were trying to disrupt the country’s progress.
The concern expressed by the Prime Minister is legitimate as it was because of hard work of over the last two years that the economy is now showing signs of improvement. The incumbent government made strenuous efforts for the purpose even at the cost of its popularity, therefore, it cannot and should not allow the political dissent to harm the country’s march forward on the path of economic recovery.
A number of measures have been taken to address ills of the system and many more are in the pipeline, which have to be implemented irrespective of whoever is in power for a better future of the country. We have repeatedly been emphasizing in these columns that it is right of individuals and parties to express themselves while remaining within the parameters of the law and the Constitution. This has also been, time and again, underlined by the higher judiciary as well and in the latest development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed the Federal Government to allow the PTI to hold its protest meeting at a designated place and ensure smooth movement in the capital. In fact, an act of parliament is also there on the subject but the real issue is implementation of laws and guidelines of the judiciary. It has been announced by successive governments not to allow illegal gatherings in the Red Zone, which is hub of governmental activities, but it again became the centre of violence in the latest protests. Strangely enough, the organizers claimed their protest was entirely peaceful but this ‘peaceful’ protest took the life of a policeman, who was performing his official duties.
Who is responsible for his killing and what impact his martyrdom will have on the overall morale of the police force? His killing must thoroughly be investigated and action taken against those who indulged in violence in the garb of peaceful protests.
Apart from killing of the constable and injuries to several other police personnel, the protest and the preventive measures taken by the local administration played havoc with normal life creating immense difficulties for people. Patients suffered, important activities disrupted including marriage ceremonies involving huge expenditure and prices of daily items increased due to supply issues. Suspension of telephone and Internet services added to the miseries of the people and inflicted heavy losses on the economy as well as service providers. Who is responsible for all this? Dialogue is the only answer but presently the PTI is not interested to have talks with the Government while the Interior Minister too has ruled out the possibility of dialogue with the party.
Instead, more cases have been registered against the PTI founding Chairman Imran Khan and other party leaders in connection with violence in the latest protests and rallies. On its part, the PTI has not only announced to continue agitation but has also decided to boycott proceedings of the parliament and its committees citing threats to its members. In this backdrop, there are slim chances of any rapprochement between the warring sides and people will continue to suffer. It is time both sides demonstrate flexibility in their attitude, come to the negotiating table and agree on a code to prevent harm to the economy and fundamental interests of the people.
