Raft of speculations/rumors at work

Muhammad Usman
DURING last month, the country remained seized off by two major events. One, march/sit in of Maulana Fazalur Rehman at Islamabad in concert with all opposition parties and its utter failure to achieve none of its proclaimed objectives. Two, unprecedented and allegedly mysterious departure of convicted Nawaz Sharif for medical treatment abroad. Though art of speculations, rumours, lies and half-truth has always been mainstay of our ruling elite to advance their self-seeking pursuits however, in backdrop of above mentioned episodes, this assumed more guile, craft and gall to escape the collateral damage. On top of this, there is an everlasting aim of theirs to keep government of Imran Khan in tail spin so that it remains hamstrung. In no circumstances, it should be able to deliver meaningfully for betterment of people economically and socially. This proposition has the potential to extinguish their hope of making a comeback or even self-preservation. They have no performance deed under their belt to show in comparison if he succeed. It is a tranquilizing dream and does not allow them to rest content even for sake of extreme interests of the country.
Present time is very critical for cause of Kashmir and national economy which has started showing signs of sound recovery after having suffered grievously however, has failed to deter their mischief. This is continuing unabated without compunction. They do not spare any occurrence or utterance, relevant or otherwise through blatant improvisation to grind their axe and unfortunately, they have too many to grind. They are busy overtime to make people believe that days of Imran Khan have been numbered. He or his government is on the way out. Though this is their outcry from the beginning when Imran Khan took over office however, remains under constant recasting depending upon the situation. Now this has been assiduously built around a number of high profile statements and developments, liable to be more than one interpretation and capable of casting shadow on future of incumbent government.
These include; interview of Speaker of Punjab Assembly, Choudhry Pervaiz Ellahi wherein, he called an understanding reached with JUI (F), a well-kept secret and hoped its disclosure in due time, statement of elder Choudhry, Shujaat Hussian in which he sarcastically remarked about situation in the country that if it is not corrected in next 3-6 month time then nobody would like to become PM of the country, anguish and anger sounded by PM during his speech at inauguration ceremony of Hazara Motorway and subsequent rebuff by Chief Justice of Pakistan, passing remarks of NAB Chairman that now winds have their direction, hearing of case of foreign funding against PTI on a daily basis by ECP in response to demand of combined opposition, most recent assertions of Maulana that now it has been admitted that this government can no longer function properly. Either they would pack up themselves or something equal to it, he would receive and blissfully he construed it a fresh elections and in tandem with these, an attempt was also being made that these developments have nod from powers that be as they have lost trust on ability of the government to deliver. Given past environment in our country, this makes an explosive setting for a government however, if assessed in context of obtaining environment, these stand void of any substance except serving as an instrument to unleash another round of uncertainty to inhibit positive and smooth sailing for the country.
Very rightly, DG ISPR hastened to dispel impression being disseminated maliciously that Government and Army have differences on some issues. He said that PM and COAS are on same page and Army has no second opinion on matters related to government. Earlier on first day of Maulana’s march at Islamabad when he breathed fire, Army was quick to respond. DG ISPR minced no words and categorically stated that being a national institution, Army supports elected democratic government. He also darkly warned that no one would be allowed to destabilize the country at any cost. Out of all the above rigmarole, two things are being portrayed most threating to survival of the government. One, decision of foreign funding case against PTI in next ten days. This involves a long and complex process at different tiers including Federal Government which is the ultimate arbiter. Only foreign funding is not enough to disband a political party rather motive behind the funding is the core cause to ban a party. The opposition could only vainly hope. Two, assurance as claimed by Maulana for change in present dispensation. A person could not be given anything except naught in bargain if he has flunked all his plans, being devoid of popular support and approval rather, his protest was being subjected to public dismay/outrage. Maulanafully fits in within this measurement.
In a democracy, media is considered a watchman of night and troubled day of the nation but unfortunately, in our case, its majority is found one step ahead to serve the vested interests. It is widely held view that such gimmicks could not dislodge government of Imran Khan. Its nemesis lies in his performance and it is wanting particularly, absence of economic trickledown effect and poor governance. The people still take him an only and last hope but time to him is not unlimited as it is always the case. The clock is ticking fast.
— The writer, a retired Lt Col, is freelance columnist based in Islamabad.