A day after PTI leader Imran Khan flatly refused to offer any apology for what happened on the ‘Black Day’ of May 09 last year, the country’s leadership put across an unambiguous message that there will be no absolution for those involved in criminal activities and they will be taken to task. Chairing a special meeting of the cabinet, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed May 9 incidents a revolt against the state and its institutions, adding that the real objective of the onslaught was to topple democracy, bury the Constitution and bring dictatorship in the country besides undermining the national unity to cause social unrest. And Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir came out with a more robust statement ruling out any “compromise or deal with the planners and architects of this dark chapter in our history”. President Asif Ali Zardari also issued a similar statement whereas the services chiefs were unanimous in declaring that there could neither be any compromise with the planners, facilitators and executors of tragedy nor they would be allowed to hoodwink the law of the land.
The absolute clarity on the part of civil and military leadership of the country comes in the backdrop of a report prepared by the Caretaker Government concluded that Imran Khan “actively contributed” to the planning of these violent attacks on military installations. It also disclosed, “Investigations conducted so far suggest that there were 34 individuals who masterminded the strategy of violent street power, actively contributing to planning the violence and mayhem. Additionally, 52 individuals contributed to detailed planning and 185 individuals executed this plan.” The report also said that as part of the strategy, party supporters including armed men were relocated from the party’s strongholds, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Lahore, several days in advance of Mr Khan’s arrest and they successfully resisted police and other LEAs from arresting Mr. Khan on a number of occasions. This shows the government and the authorities concerned have concrete and reliable evidence on what actually happened on the day. However, the PTI seems to be not fully clear as to what line of action it should adopt in the face of allegations regarding its involvement in the incident. While Imran Khan has ruled out the possibility of offering an apology, Chief Minister KP, Ali Amin Gundapur, appealed to the ‘powerful quarters’ to declare general amnesty, perhaps unilaterally, and move forward. At the same time, he thought it appropriate to indulge in provocation by hurling threats of occupying the KP Governor House in case Governor’s rule was imposed in the province. The question arises if no crime was committed then why and for whom you seek a general amnesty and if some people are involved in incidents of violence then what is harm in acknowledging the mistake. Similarly, the remarks of the party Chairman Barrister Gauhar also highlighted confusion in the ranks of the party as he called for a ceasefire and ‘move ahead’. We have been emphasizing in these columns time and again that the only option for resolution of the political crisis is for all sides to set across the negotiating table and sort out irritants in an amicable manner. This would also require a ceasefire in the intensive social media campaign against national institutions and their leadership and unnecessary opposition and propaganda against positive policies of the government. A new beginning can surely be made if, like the Government side, the PTI too brings clarity to its position on this and other important issues that cause serious rifts in politics. All sides must commit themselves not to indulge or promote ‘fake news’ and base their politics on principles. Victory or defeat in one election is not an end of the world as tables can turn in the next elections if parties remain relevant but through positive activities and their contribution to national progress and development. Almost all parties have their presence either in the national parliament, provincial assemblies or provincial governments and they should play their part strictly in line with democratic spirit. According to media reports, founding Chairman of the PTI Imran Khan has assigned former President Dr. Arif Alvi an ‘important’ assignment, may be to use his good offices for the reconciliation process. But such a desire and efforts should not be confined to backdoor contacts and a clear policy on national dialogue should be evolved and pursued sincerely.
