Salahuddin Haider
THE very question is
nothing more than a
mere fantasy, unanswerable, its like day dreaming, nightmarish almost, World over government of the day looks after the state and its people, and the opposition parties keep a check on the party in power. That hold true for Pakistan also, but an element of hostility, injected into it, had made things worse.
In established democracies, like Britain, where House of Commons is treated with esteem and respect as mother of parliaments, had different traditions. But history too has played a dominant role in shaping its ideology. Over 800 years, and as some British call it rotten though but still surviving. Very True. Old is gold is the most appropriate description for it. Likewise in United States, Congress which is also commonly known as House of Representatives, and the Senate are bi-partisan.
It has a unique set of traditions. Any one of the two houses, can move a motion or amendments, which is carried, becomes law. Pressler’s amendment is one glaring example worth citing here. It banned American arms supplies to Pakistan which Benazir Bhutto called it as ‘Veto in India’s hands’. Finally during Bill Clinton’s days, it was removed from statute book and Pakistan was able to get some relied for its armed forces. But while in South Asia, adopted parliamentary democracy as our Constitutional obligation, but have failed to comprehend it property.
Even its interpretation is subjected to controversy more often than not. India, Bangla Desh, Pakistan all follow Britis pattern of democracy, but refuse to fashion its cherished principles in practice. The government is often plays down the opposition, and the rival parties, try their best to gluten the governments.
This in fact is least required. But then if analysed dispassionately, both the party in power and the opposition can be held responsible for the present malaise. In fact Bilawal Bhutto, and, before him Shahbaz Sharif extended a hand of friendship to Tehreek insaf chief, Imran Khan as soon as he took over the reigns of the government, but were disappointed by the treasury benchers response.
President Arif Alvi once remarked that he suggested Imran Khan to shake hands with the opposition to create an amiable atmosphere in the two Houses. If Imran coalition has slender majority of just 7 members, in Senate, it can not get its bill passed until he agrees to compromise with the opposition. Resultantly, tension prevails and the opposition onslaught continues uninterruptedly from day one. Imran’s reply was how could he shake hands with the corrupt against whom he had campaigned for 22 years, and finally succeeded in outclassing them in 2018 elections.
Studied closely, opposition too seems insincere in its approach and misinterprets NAB cases against Zardaris, or Sharifs as if National accountability bureau has been formed solely to be greyhound for the opposition. That is not the case. NAB is an independent institution, headed by a former supreme court judge, has its own board of governors which approves cases to be taken up for corrupt practices. Unfortunately, the governments before the present one, did indulge in money making, and have to face of music under law of the nature.
However a little wisdom has be to shown by the government to get its legislations passed in the Upper House which is not possible without the opposition suppor. Certain amount of vengeance is also visible in opposition camp, who felt cheated and seem determined to pull down the government from the seat of authority. But under circumstances, prevailing in the country, this will again by day dreaming, and nothing more. If the opposition and the government reach a compromise to work together, it will naturally be ideal situation, but alas, it could be possible.
