The leader of the opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah praised the Army Chief Qamar Zaman Bajwa for his attending the Senate conference and reassuring the continuation of the democratic system in the country.According to Khursheed Shah, there was a certain degree of uncertainty in the country before his participation in the upper house of the parliament. But, he cleared the air of discord and lack of apprehension about the army’s role in future politics of the country. He pointed out without naming, that a political party was talking rhetoric against the role of the army and creating uncertainty in the country.
But, on the contrary, ex-PM Nawaz did not listen to the advice of other political leaders and has opted for a confrontational policy.
Later when specifically discussing the ruling Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N), Khursheed Shah said that ruling government and its leaders should have settled the issues related to Nawaz’s ousting in the Parliament. But, on the contrary, ex-PM Nawaz did not listen to the advice of other political leaders and has opted for a confrontational policy. He said he had complete confidence in the system and believed that the government would complete its tenure. It is to be noted that in 2012 when the PPP’s PM Yousaf Raza Gillani was disqualified by the court, not only Nawaz approved of the decision and encouraged the then PM to step down quietly, but the PPP government went on to complete its term.
Recently, senior leaders of the government including the National Assembly (NA) speaker, have expressed distrust in the continuity of the system and have openly stated that they do not expect that the current government will complete its 5-years tenure. This mounting pressure by politicians has required clarifications. The Senate has answered the questions regarding the uncertain political horizon in the country, Khursheed Shah expressed.
He was also critical of Pakistan Tehrek-e-Insaf (PTI) and PML-N for their public rallies and demonstrations which are primarily targeting each other to settle scores. Both the parties present their differing positions on issues and are trying to outscore each other.
He expressed dismay with such politics and praised the role of the elected houses in deciding the various significant issues. Citing the example of delimitation issues, he lauded the role of his party [PPP] in solving the crises which could have potentially halted the next general elections.
On the contrary to the consensus of many commentators and political analysts on the issue, when asked about the role of the judiciary in the country in the context of the recent high profile cases, PPP’s leader was of the view that he does not believe that relief was provided to the PML-N in the Hudaibiya Paper Mills case and the PTI in Imran’s disqualification case.
The balancing act of judiciary is a wrong argument, and such speculations can only augment further uncertainty. He stated that the Judiciary only make decisions based on merit.
PPP’s criticism of PML-N and PTI over the public engagement may not have many buyers considering party itself held a string of the rallies across the country recently. However, the confrontational policy with the nation’s institutions undermines the institutions and the country itself.
he lauded the role of his party [PPP] in solving the crises which could have potentially halted the next general elections.
Institutions harmony is critical in the road to progression, but they must work within their defined limitations under the constitutional law.COAS addressing the upper house is a positive sign of an evolving democratic system in the country and will help to bring all institutions on board on important issues. The confrontational policies among the institutions only brings anarchy and chaos in the system and enables outside interference and should be discouraged to facilitate the smooth functioning of the government.
read more: Pakistani political parties join hands to increase pressure on Sharif family
Despite the assurances of Army chief on many occasions, the incumbent government of PML-N, its senior leaders, Maryam Nawaz and ousted PM Nawaz Sharif have continued their verbal attacks on the establishment saying it is behind the disqualification of the ex-PM and wanting to bring down the PML-N government. They aim to create an impression that all the ills in the country are due to the meddling of the establishment (in civilian affairs). For the populace it is becoming an outdated argument when the army is dragged into everything, to gain political mileage.