Salahuddin Haider
PERSEVERANCE and determination always pays off. It did in the case of Senate approving Financial Action Task Force (FATF) bills, which is a major achievement for PTI government of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
He seemed determined from the beginning about getting it approved from the joint session of the Parliament, and finally reached his goal on Sept 16. The opposition was humbled by 210 to 190 votes, which meant the combined strength of Imran Party and allies is more than that of the opposition which tried its best to block the Bills in the Upper House, but alas had no face to hide.
Couple of weeks ago, Imran had said in a TV interview that he will trek to the end of the road, and God given, will get it through, which he has now done. Bilawal and Shahbaz, after accusing National Assembly Speaker of bi-partisanship, finally led their respective parties led walk out from such a sensitive session and on an issue which was in effect matter of life and death for Pakistan.
Opposing the party in power is the undeniable right of the opposition but not on issues of national security and integrity. That the opposition to chose to call for counting showed that its sole objective was to embarrass the government. Well even that is allowed, but not when issues are of vital importance for the country.
Had the government failed to mobilize votes in its favour, the country would have suffered immeasurable damage. FATA commission is due to meet in Paris next month, and Pakistan had little time to present fool proof case before the world organization. Its failure to do so would have stopped bank transactions with financial institutions of the world, trade would have to a grinding halt, and exports would have dipped beyond comprehension.
Prime Minister Imran Khan was right in describing the opposition attitude to the whole issue as sheer ‘blackmailing’, for it wanted to remove NAB from the statute book completely, or at least reduce its use role to be least effective. But Imran who fought elections on the slogan of banning corruption and punishing all those involved in loot and plunder of national wealth for personal benefits. ‘I am not going to compromise on it, even if my government is thrown out of power’ he was so emphatic in his intentions.
Money laundering is the major problem before the world, which is taking steps to clean the society of evil doers. How could he gone back on his commitment ot the countrymen? Just not possible. He had to fight it out, and he did stand firmly on his stand, to be rewarded finally with honour and dignity. Opposition, analysts agree, has lost a major battle, and now it had to reshape its strategy to dislodge the government, which Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, Khawaja ASif were trying to concentrate in their speeches within the parliament, and outside it.
Whether they can really organize a multiple parties conference or the all parties conference to start a movement against PTI government, we will have to wait till Sept 20, when their main leaders meet o draw their future strategy. But opposition to many an analyst, seem a divided house. Secondly, Islamabad High court had refused to hear Nawaz Sharif petition, ordering for his physical presence before the judge, for that’s what the rule says. Courts as upholders of justice and fair play can not cross over the limits fixed for them.
Nawaz now in London for last more than 6 months. The court made important observations that if he is suffering from some disease why hasn’t he got himself examined by a doctor. Medical doctors’ report submitted lately to the court about Nawaz’s health is signed by a British doctor of Pakistani original, Fayyaz. Pakistan government should send that report for endorsement from British health authorities to verify its contents.
