The Way Out

PM Gilani’s conviction and his subsequent obduracy neither to quit nor resign has created an impasse between the govt. and the opposition that has started threatening the very survival of democracy in the country.  The open threats of simultaneous long march and counter march to Islamabad and Raiwind by the senior leaders on both sides not only smack of dire hostility but is  tantamount to inviting clashes between the protestors. Such clashes, if ever took place, shall not remain confined only to the physical embroilment  of the contenders but with the amount of fire arms displayed both by the Jialas and others even on ordinary bye elections, and presently at Lyari, it is anybody’s guess what could happen, including a civil war in the country.  Would or should the army allow that to happen?  And, if the army intervenes we all know what it means for the democracy.

Next, suppose the Speakers refers the matter to the EC after 30 days and the EC upholds the SCP verdict after a lapse of another 90 days, what will happen to all those executive orders passed by Mr. Gilani during these four months? Not all those could be reversed as some of them would have been implemented in the meantime.  To my mind, therefore, the only way to avoid the civil war, possible take over of the army, save the democracy and not create chaos by the implementation of unlawful orders, the Chief Executive – the PM – should proceed on 4 months’ long leave and not issue any executive orders during this period.  Once the parliamentary process is complete, depending upon its outcome, he or the next PM could continue with the usual business of running the country.

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)