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Political instability haunts economy
As we celebrate March 23, it is time to ponder and reflect. What happened on 18 March, when about three scores of hooligans led by two parliamentarians, attacked Sindh House in Islamabad, was waiting to happen, given the narcissism and blindness of those at helm.
Ever since EBDO was imposed in 1959, when Ayub Khan abolished political parties on 7 October 1958, targeting politicians of repute, political disorder and instability has haunted Pakistan and its economy.
A country created through a political struggle, had its political process strangulated, instead of evolving a democratic system suitable for a sovereign independent country to function and deliver to citizens fruits of a modern democratic welfare state that Quaid had envisioned.
Any system of governance, be it a free-market democracy or socialism must cater to welfare of the most deprived sections of society, otherwise it cannot function and be acceptable to citizens of that country. When Rule of Law is replaced by abuse of power, then chaos and anarchy daunt such a state.
Whatever the system of governance, it is the moral and constitutional responsibility of the State to provide subsidized education, health, public transportation, clean drinking water, security of life etc. Unfortunately, what we have in Pakistan is neither democracy in its true essence, nor socialism, but a system that is remnant of British Raj, dominated by abuse of power, state assets, lands etc., allotted to the paid elite.
Political intrigues and gerrymandering by men, neither trained nor capable to understand the dynamics of political science, has brought disorder and eroded ethics so vital for any political system to function and deliver. Quaid had warned on 14 June 1948 about the significance of oath that every paid public office holder has taken, when assuming office, to serve as servants of people, with no role in politics.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Save the system
As the date for voting on the no-confidence move draws near, the opposition parties try hard to reach an understanding with the PTI’s disgruntled allies in different provinces. It goes to the discredit of the PTI that instead of winning over the estranged allies and party dissidents, important ministers have made fun of them thus leaving no option for them other than supporting the opposition’s no-confidence.
The PTI which was earlier confident of commanding a majority in the National Assembly is now striving hard to win the support of its allies. PMIK once again violated the ECP’s directives not to hold a public meeting in Swat where local body elections are about to be held. Speaking at a public meeting in Swat a few days ago, Imran Khan told the crowd that he wanted a ‘sea of supporters’ outside the Parliament House on 27 March. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had dared dissenters to come to vote, saying one million people would be waiting to welcome them at D-Chowk on March 27.
Imran Khan’s call was reminiscent of US President Trump’s signal to the neo-fascist “Proud Boys” to march to the Capitol which led to ransacking of the Capitol where there was wholesale vandalism and lawmakers had to hide in fear. A Prime Minister is expected to respect the Constitution and follow the law. A no-confidence move is a normal practice in democracies.
In case the PM thinks the Opposition is committing any illegality, he can take the matter to court. When a PM violates the ECP’s code himself, this indicates an act of discredit to the constitutional institution. Calling the mobs to dictate Parliament is a practice that is only followed by fascists. There is a need on the part of the PM to cancel the gathering followed by the Opposition calling off its rally to save the system.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Trail of Deltacron virus
A new hybrid of Delta and Omicron variant is emerging in Europe, United States, France, Germany, Denmark and Holland. It is a recombinant of Corona virus which carries genes from both Delta and Omicron.
Experts say that it is too early to worry, as only tw cases in the US and 33 cases in France, eight in Denmark and one in Germany have been observed amongst 29719 positive corona virus cases, yet it is under peer-review and not at concern level, reported by New York Times. The WHO remarked that the new variant detection is at a much lower level as many studies are under way.
The recombinant virus is basically infecting the animals with possibility of infecting human beings and this is what the viruses do. Since the pandemic is not yet completely over, we cannot allow the virus to spread. Hence it is advisable that the public should not relax and should continue using all the precautionary measures with SOPs as advised from time to time.
The spike protein of the virus, which is encoded with the specific gene, is derived from the Omicron and Delta viruses, and comes in contact with the living cells, a target of the antibodies.
PROF YASIN DURRANI
Islamabad
