There is dramatic surge in political tension following trading of allegations between the Government and the Opposition over the issue of corruption and corrupt practices. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that PML(N) leader Khawaja Asif has announced disengagement from efforts being made by Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser and opposition benches for establishing working relationship to ensure smooth functioning of the House which was a must for adoption of important legislation including the one desired by the Supreme Court relating to appointment and extension in tenure of the Army Chief.
It is regrettable that sanity is not returning to the politics of the country and now some people even talk about wrapping of the system. The protest outside residence of PML(N) supremo in London and attempts made to attack the apartment proved last straw on the camel’s back pushing the tension to the boiling level. The attack was condemnable in every respect and should have been treated as such by all political parties but some people in the Government have chosen to offer explanations and background of the act that was reflective of deep malaise in our political system. You might differ with one another on different issues but differences should not be stretched to uncivilized levels and that too at the cost of national unity and harmony. Though PTI in Pakistan and its London Chapter have categorically denied having any connection with the protest but the very fact that the mob raised slogans in support of the party and many were seen sporting the party’s caps created doubts in the minds of the opposition that the protest was inspired and sponsored. The Opposition apprehends such things never happened in the past, and will turn into a (wrong) tradition if such acts start taking place. It is also noteworthy that the Government is not reviewing its strategy of pushing the Opposition to the wall on the issue of corruption. No one would oppose action against corruption but it is also a fact that corruption should not mean just initiation of cases against opposition leaders while ignoring what is happening elsewhere in the country. What people want is launching of solid measures like the App for reporting of corruption and corrupt practices in Punjab which is a welcome development. However, the App should be used to weed out the menace of corruption from various departments of the province especially police, judiciary, revenue, education and health which really matter for the masses. Rhetoric might make the campaign insipid.
