Sikandar Noorani
Lacking in efficient governance is not the only problem with present government! It is a proven fact that most of the cabinet members lack in maturity which subsequently multiplies the damages for ruling party in political arena. Everybody knows that Dharna (Sit-in) is coming to Islamabad and host party JUI-F desires ouster of PM through a quick resignation for failing in governance of country. Opposition is all set to exploit the first year’s weaknesses and failures of rulingparty. Undoubtedly, ruling party has very little to present on account of good governance and efficiency. Surprisingly, instead of defending the weak spots of party, a habitual minister himself exposed already vulnerable flank to political opponents for punching practice. Foul mouth minister, in a press conference, clearly mentioned about upcoming decision about closure of around 400 departments with an aim to reduce financial burden from government’s shoulders which would obviously throw thousands of government employees in the ditch of unemployment. Unnecessarily, the minister advised public not to expect jobs from government as economic condition does not allow the government to run or maintain even existing departments therefore creation of those10 million jobs is not possible at all which were earlier promised with masses by another foul mouth minister of ruling party almosta year back. Failing miserably in governance and economic fields, at a critical time once ruling party should have thought of justifying the performance in front of masses, instead ministers started speaking to the public entirely opposite to what was actually promised or claimed in the past. Who is being befooled by the ministers, public or their own party, still has to be decided. However, one aspect is more than clear that timing of irresponsible loose talk at public forums or press conference especially JUI-F which will be quite comfortable now in targeting the government. Irrespective of the fact that who gets benefited as a result of ‘Sit-inn’ politics, it is obvious that country will be more destabilized and disturbed at the end of this immature display of political circus. In tangible terms, economy of the country is going to deteriorate further even if the upcoming ‘Sit-in’ either fails in attaining the objectives or conquers the fortress of government. It is really a point to worry for the nation that political parties have absolutely relegated the most important aspect of national interests while setting political objectives. Parties pursuing political objectives through street protests or Sit-In have enough representation in parliament. In principal, opposition should play its democratic role at the floor of parliament by directing all efforts towards on correcting the ruling regime. JUI-F , the host and flagbearer party of Sit-in, is demanding the resignation of PM for highly vague allegations. Though, protest is a democratic right guaranteed in constitution but there has to be a reason and valid justification to use such sensitive provisions. Blind use of constitutional right of protest , in the form of ‘Sit-in’ , would lead to undesired consequences. There will be no issue , if any political party comes out for peaceful protest against government. Real problem lies in the nature of particular demands being pursued by the protestors. Duration and modus operandi of protest do pose problems. Undoubtedly, there should be no debate about the constitutional right of protest but demands and modus operandi should not be left undebated . Here, in this case JUI-F do has a right to conduct peaceful protest which must not be denied at all but at the same time demand of PM’s resignation needs to be evaluated and weighed at the scale of rationality and constitutional para meters. Question must be asked that, should a majority party be left at the mercy of a an election looser party? Resignation of PM , as demanded by JUI-F , is likely to create a political crisis with very little options to form a stable elected government through fresh elections. If, people of Pakistan have elected a party for 5 years then this constitutional duration must not be sacrificed unduly in the name of protest . ‘Sit-in’ or protest in pursuance of a non- democratic demand must not be taken as a constitutional measure as the real objective behind this activity is likely to rip apart democratic system . Tensions at LoC amid Kashmir crisis and unrest in Afghanistan has a direct impact on Pakistan . Only a stable and economically strong Pakistan can fight out the challenges emerging from eastern and western borders. India is eyeing upon AJ&K territory with bad intentions. Demands for resignation of PM and threats of Islamabad lock down are adding to the prevailing chaos and uncertainty. While talking about constitutional right of protest, opposition should revisit her unnecessarily tough demands which are entirely against the spirit of democracy and rationality. In this era of absolute lack of wisdom, Pakistan desperately needs stability and political maturity.
