Daily Times

The accountability court is hearing vital corruption cases against ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family. The hearings of these cases are very sensitive and can afford no distraction. The comings and goings of PML-N ministers and party workers on court premises seems to be a tactic against the proceedings. It is crucial to understand that these cases are against a family and not a political party.

The court has already told the heads of the PML-N to avoid taking ministers with them to court. Unfortunately, the leaders of PML-N did not follow these orders. These are people who have spent half of their ruling tenure defending their chief and his family. The ministers’ time is very precious and they should not waste it in this manner.

Instead of finding ways to reduce foreign loans and mending Pakistan’s twisted foreign policy, these ministers spend their time trying to save the Sharif family. One thing is very clear, that accountability is the need of the hour.

Ministers, who do not have time to meet the common man or even get their departments out of the crisis, are creating another crisis, which is too precarious to handle – messing with the establishment unduly. This is something they have all done before, and failed each time. It would be better for them to stop poking their noses in matters related to other institutions.

If the Sharif family considers itself innocent, it should appear before the court on a regular basis and provide the necessary documents and evidence

If the Sharif family considers itself innocent, it should appear before the court on a regular basis and provide the necessary documents and evidence. The court has also issued non-bailable warrants to Nawaz Sharif’s children, owing to their disappearance. This of course is not a good omen and will lead towards intensification of the ongoing clash.

The judiciary, which is one of the three crucial branches of the state, is doing a stupendous job. Remaining politically neutral, it is hearing cases against the opponents of the PML-N as well.

The government seems to be in a mood to confront the establishment, this is why it finds everything that is not in its favor to be a ‘Saazish’. Pakistan’s democratic forces need to understand that without accountability, democracy will not be strengthened. Last but not least, the ministers should focus over their work and let this process move on smoothly.

Junaid Ali Malik is a professional writer and considers writing is the sole purpose of his life. He has done masters in Commerce and History and holds PG Diploma in International Affairs. He can be contacted at junaidalimalik3@gmail.com.

Published in Daily Times, October 8^th 2017.