AT a time when greater unity is required to focus energies towards meeting the unprecedented health challenge posed by Corona Virus, it is unfortunate that ruling and opposition parties in the country are pushing up political temperature for their vested interests.
The same was witnessed during recently concluded sessions of both the Senate and National Assembly which were summoned to discuss the situation arising out of Covid-19 yet both treasury and opposition benches instead utilised the time to remind each other of their failures and ineptitudes instead of giving any positive suggestions for incorporation in anti-Corona strategy. Also on Saturday, Special Assistant on Accountability Shehzad Akbar along with Information Minister Shibli Faraz addressed a press conference and targeted Opposition Leader Shahbaz Sharif and his family members over corruption. Shehzad Akbar said National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has prepared a fresh reference against the PML (N) President for receiving kickbacks during his tenure as Punjab Chief Minister and would file it in the court soon. In response, the PML (N) Secretary Information Marriyum Aurangzeb lashed out at PTI government accusing them of massive corruption. There is no doubt that accountability process and that too across the board must go ahead as stressed by Information Minister Shibli Faraz because this virus has inflicted a major blow to Pakistan in all walks of life.
However, according to law, it is the responsibility of NAB to proceed against corrupt elements and those having any evidence of corruption against anybody must submit them with anti-graft body rather than resorting to rhetoric and empty statements as that only spoils political harmony required to meet the Covid-19 challenge. While the anti-graft body must continue its work without any discrimination, political leadership should act responsibly, demonstrate maturity and use Parliament platform to further strengthen efforts against the pandemic. A clear message of unity should come from all to nullify the negative impact of Corona Virus.
