PAKISTAN Peoples Party (PPP) has proposed establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission, institution of a new National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and abolition of seventeen federal ministries. Speaking at a news conference in Larkana on Friday, President of PPP Sindh Nisar Khuhro urged political parties not to quarrel among themselves and instead think about developing the country, strengthening democracy and taking Pakistan out of crises.
These demands are in line with the overall thinking and philosophy of the PPP leadership as both President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari too have been favouring moves aimed at national reconciliation and inclusive government. Last month, during his visit to Quetta, Bilawal proposed a Charter of National Reconciliation to improve political stability and sort out issues threatening national unity. He also stressed the significance of involving all political parties and stakeholders, both within and outside parliament, in the process of finding solutions to the challenges faced by Balochistan. As for truth and reconciliation commission, over the past three decades, more than 40 countries established truth commissions, including Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa and South Korea. Their proceedings and recommendations put things in right perspective as has been done in the case of ZA Bhutto case by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. TRCs hold promise for healing divided nations as they investigate past abuses, listen to the experiences of both victims and perpetrators, and aim to repair the social fabric damaged by injustices, but their effectiveness depends on implementation, engagement and commitment to justice and reconciliation. Given the steep and deep polarization in the society, it is a million dollar question whether such a commission would remain non-controversial itself and produce desired impact and results. If stakeholders arrive at a consensus about the constitution of such a commission, then it can definitely contribute a lot in discovering and revealing the past wrongdoings and offering solace to those who have been harmed. Its mandate could also include giving clear and binding guidelines for the future to avoid repetition of the injustices of the past. There have also been demands for a new NFC award but some segments of the society believe the federation has been rendered ineffective due to lopsided distribution of resources. This is a ticklish issue but it is a foregone conclusion that in the given circumstances, it is next to impossible to increase further the share of the provinces from the federal divisible pool. The suggestion of Khuhro that instead of reducing the share of the provinces, efforts should be made to improve tax collection to meet growing requirements of the federation deserves consideration but the provinces will have to cooperate in this endeavour. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has embarked upon an ambitious programme aimed at increased tax collection including registration of businessmen, a process, which is already underway. There are also plans and proposals to make tax evaders and under-filers pay their due taxes and one hopes the PPP would support the initiative wholeheartedly as it is motivated by the desire of the government not to burden the existing tax-payers any more. Abolition of seventeen ministries and their hand over to the provinces is a legitimate demand as there was no justification for duplication of functions and responsibilities in the backdrop of 18th Amendment in the Constitution. The proposal needs to be implemented immediately if it can really help save an expenditure of 300 billion rupee as claimed by the PPP. We have been hearing repeated suggestions and calls from different quarters about the need to have Charter of Economy and Charter of Reconciliation but regrettably things have not moved beyond verbose. The PPP is an active player in the existing setup as it holds important constitutional offices and has its governments in the two provinces. Therefore, it is hoped its leadership would become instrumental in the removal of road-blocks that hinder national progress, development and cohesion. President Asif Ali Zardari has the position and time to invest his energies on such issues as political bitterness is causing immense harm to the country and its people.
