|
‘BIG BROTHER’
By Barrister Amjad Malik
Pakistan is trying to come out of a snare of controlled democracy, and next 12 months will be very crucial to determine whether it moves forward or backwards as economy is nose-diving, and ripe corruption scandals are not stopping to surface day in day out. 18th amendment gave massive powers back to premier who hardly knows how to use them, and acting like a dummy. 19th amendment is sailing through both houses of Parliament and allies of govt are slowly showing dissent and drifting apart sorting out their new line up and seeking their share in future set up. But final push is not on the surface yet, as future formula is not clear. PPP govt is lacking corruption free governance, a vision to lead and a strategy to drive the country of 170 million souls toward prosperity, development, and hope in future. Without Be Nazir, the daughter of East, the whole plethora of leadership is running like a headless chicken at the whims and mercy of its allies. The very sympathy vote which brought them in rule has evaporated because of their visionless mal governance.
Coming to its allies: JUI(F) has decided to part ways but, alas on the issue of sacking of one of its Minister (Swati) not on the matter of principle, i.e corruption, shortage of basic amenities, and foreign policy concerns. Now they are out, NAB is ready to witch hunt and unearth the skeleton in their cupboard. Naming & shaming exercise has already begun. MQM which has a stronghold in Karachi is also on ‘deadlines’ and testing waters whether to quit now or join future set up as and when time comes. They know Sindh govt without them can be brought to a standstill on a one phone call, so they consider themselves indispensible as far as Karachi is concerned. They know their price full well, and ways to demand and acquire it. ANP in KPK are enjoying provincial govt and new election definitely will dent their vote bank when Islamists and PML(N) will try to gain what ANP scooped in February 2008 elections. Baluchistan govt is on hit and run spree anyway and seeing the wind, it will turn side on establishment’s tilt which will have a lion share to determine its future. JI and PTI are childless in this orphanage and as they have no say in current regime, so election are their only hope to give some dividend if they form or become part of a competitive alliance for future. Coming to Nawaz Sharif, who is at the edge to make a decision how to go forward, whether to let this govt complete their remaining year by hook or crook, or take it down. He have options either to go for his party govt with allies or support the formation of a new alliance govt anti PPP if his parting allies show genuineness in its thrust. Or he may consider supporting a national govt for a year or two before next general election in late 2012. I think, the way govt is performing Nawaz Sharif has a little time left to make a final decision.
2011 may be United States forces withdrawal year from Afghanistan, so no one wishes to lock horns on foreign policy issues like incursions, hot pursuits, drone attacks and missing persons cases, and are waiting for troops withdrawal for a final assault. Nawaz Sharif who is perceived to be a loyalist may act as a big brother now or later but the role is assigned and required of him, to warmth the ugly politics with reconciliation, democracy and state welfare where parties agree to disagree and no compromise takes place on state interest. Bleak economy will be a challenge for all. Pakistan is going through one of its worst financial times and revolutionary steps are required to save national infrastructure from greed and overspending in order to bring the elite to a tax net. Corruption needs to be rid from public and political life and bureaucracy civil and military needs to be aligned on this corny subject and politics of simplicity needs to be revived. Currently average expenditure for a member of national assembly election is 10 million rupees, that needs to be brought to thousands and that may only happen if parties are strengthened at grass root level and there is a neutral, robust and transparent election commissioner. So a lot to do, and time is little, I think Nawaz Sharif must decide whether to sit with his possible allies now or later. Finally, he must encourage a genuine approach towards unification of Muslim leagues. He can open his door to the idea of unification and may chunk out individuals who are considered to be unwanted, but the supporters and constituents will benefit the unification as the natural divide of liberals and conservatives will pave way for a stronger govt in next elections. If not united, divided vote will let others play their magical role.
I do not know what is ahead but I think exposure of elite at the length and breadth by media and judiciary, will promote true, clean and Jinnah style leadership. Changing President Zardari run puppet Govt. is not at all an issue, changing system is, and the struggle which ultimately may divert the nation's attention to rid the old redundant system to a new transparent, accountable and competitive one giving good governance, justice and people's representation through fair and transparent poll is the only hope, if Pakistan ever wishes to come out of establishment run puppet Govts.
Barrister Amjad Malik is a Chair of Association of Pakistani lawyers (UK)
Friday, 24 December 2010
|