Politics is on the edge as instability and economic crunch looms large
The PTI’s decision to start a ‘court arrest drive’ will surely push the country towards volatility
This desperate move is apparently being taken by the party as it finds its voice scuttled, as the dispensation in power is refusing to go ahead with the constitutionally-mandated elections due in Punjab and K-P after the dissolution of their respective assemblies
Moreover, the power vacuum that has come into being since the ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan in April last year, and the subsequent resignation of lawmakers from the National Assembly has almost stalled the smooth functioning of the state business
This power fissure and rising aspect of agitation is in need of being addressed in a sophisticated political manner, and walking the constitutional path is the only way to go
The PTI has been simmering with issues for quite some time
Its political demand is to take the country for fresh general elections, and in this pursuit, it has thrown two of its provincial governments
Moreover, the party complains that it is being victimised and the smear campaign against one of its legislators and chief whip had pushed it at the thresholds
Likewise, the arrest of Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, a senior parliamentarian, and lodging of cases against many of the party stalwarts has generated an argument that the party should take to the streets
This is why apparently Mr Khan has covertly shown his inclination to go for a countrywide protest movement in an attempt to compel the coalition government to stand down
It is a tit for tat move ripe with dire consequences at a time when the chips are down, and fragility is at its peak
There should be a middle ground
This mess and confusion must come to an end
The talks with IMF are indicating a more horrendous picture of daily life, and it would be wise of the government to cajole an accord with the opposition
The stakes are highly pitched
Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2023
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Date: | 09-Feb-2023 | Reference: | View Original Link |
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