In a welcome development, founding Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has acknowledged that the incumbent Government, during the last one year, successfully managed to stabilize the country’s economy, which was on the verge of virtual collapse. Speaking to media from Rawalpindis Adiala jail, he said the economy has been saved from bankruptcy.
The remarks of the former Prime Minister not only reflect a positive change in his attitude but can also be considered as a tribute to the economic policies of the Government and acknowledgement of the hard work done by its economic managers. The comments are in sharp contrast to the traditional approach of the political parties and opponents to criticize things unnecessarily and oppose moves and policies of the government for the sake of opposition only. The spirit with which these remarks have been made has the potential to take the country forward on the path of consensus on economic policies or ultimate signing of a Charter of Economy, as repeatedly proposed by saner and patriotic people. However, such a consensus will remain an elusive dream until and unless the political parties showed maturity and demonstrated their preference for resolution of the differences through discussions and dialogue.
Incidentally, the process of dialogue has begun but despite an understanding reached at the first round of talks that the two sides will not indulge in negative media statements that could vitiate the overall environment for a meaningful dialogue, the two sides are again indulging in rhetoric. The PTI is known for changing its position frequently and this became evident once again when, on Wednesday, its leadership gave deadline of December 31 for taking the process to the logical conclusion, reiterating the “legitimate” demands of judicial probe into May 9 and November 26 protests and release of under-trial “political prisoners”. It is often said and rightly so that you cannot be a judge of your own cause. If the demands are accepted as legitimate universally then what was the need for a dialogue? It is illogical to hurl an ultimatum when the negotiating teams agreed to meet again on January 02 when the PTI will present its demands in a written format. The latest twist, therefore, gives an impression the party was not serious about talks. The party has also shown no flexibility on its call for initiation of the civil disobedience movement insisting that the first phase of boycott of remittances will remain in place despite talks with the Government.
Similarly, the Government too has hastily reacted to the deadline for conclusion of talks with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar terming it “face-saving”, saying that the government “does not take it seriously”. There was also another important development — military courts have sentenced 60 more culprits, including Imran Khan’s nephew Hassan Khan Niazi, for their involvement in the May 9 riots, taking the number of those awarded sentences by military courts to 85. Leader of the governments negotiating team Senator Irfan Siddiqui maintains the verdicts will not affect the dialogue process but it is a delicate issue as the party claims those held for their involvement in May 09 and November 26 violence are political prisoners whereas the Government considers them as lawbreakers. The PTI wants their immediate release but the Government has announced time and again those involved in violent activities will be proceeded against as per the law. The speed with which the verdicts are being pronounced by military courts shows trials already stand completed and now the accused have the recourse to appeal only. We wish instead of confrontation the two sides move towards political reconciliation so that the economy can grow and people prosper.
