The institution of parliament, as defined by the constitution, includes both the National Assembly and the Senate. However, the constitutional spirit of the Senateand resultant role has never actualised in the frequently punctured democratic history of Pakistan. Realistically, the Senate has either acted as a rubber stamp of the national assembly or a bargaining tool used by one political party or the other.
The political manoeuvring is in full swing since the last couple of months for the upcoming Senate elections. Themulti-coloured political canvas of today’s Pakistan has generated such environments which are extraordinary in dimension, diversity as well as character. There are four overarching factors which set the bounds and define contours of political activities and their character.
First,internationally, Pakistan is faced with a hostile US foreign policy which is directly linked to our backyard on the western borders having serious national security implications. On the other hand, covert guarantees and hidden promises to the US on sensitive national issues by our political elite, especially during troubled times, is a painful historical reality of Pakistan’spolitical gazette. The present political situation is ideally tailored for such manoeuvring, assurances or guarantees to win tacit US support for future political setup in Pakistan.
Second,regionally,in over last three years,the practical steps taken by the present Indian government to weaken Pakistan in all domains are not only unprecedented but also undeniable. With a hostile India,an ‘anti-institutional stance’, which is akin to India’s strategic designs, is being publically voiced by the head of the ruling political party in a bid to save his political dynasty lost on the grounds of dishonesty.
Third,in the domestic arena,civil-military relations are at its lowest. The establishment,in the aftermath of ‘Panama episode’ and foolish handling of ‘Dharna’ inIslamabad,has gone further clandestine in its approach while criticism and blame game continues. The public address by Mahmood Khan Ackhakzai three days agoover the political change in Balochistan and the alleged involvement of establishment is a case in point.
Fourth,the SupremeCourt,a major pillar of the state is being publically criticized and humiliated. Under severe pressure, the apex court is attempting to handle multiple issues and looks to be the only functional organ of the state at present in addition to armed forces. Desperate for improvement, Pakistani nation has started putting hopes on the apex court for a meaningful change in foreseeable future.
The established champion of our present political elite,Asif Ali Zardari had said in November 2017 that no Iftikhar Choudhary or Kyani formula would work this time. Thein-house change in Balochistan certifies the credibility of this statement and could be termed as’Zardari Formula’. The architect of this unethical, unprincipled and corrupt political formula is being termed as the ‘tiger hunter’, with the image of a political tycoon or a king. Are we living in a jungle or just the present political environments resemble a similar scenario? The set of rules in this political jungle are being governed by the historically proven concepts of ‘might is right’ and ‘everything is fair’. This ‘might’ has financial, social, institutional, religious and physical dimensions but is void of values, morality and merit,while ‘everything’ encompasses the use of corrupt practices, influence, intimidation, force and incentives. Cunningness has become a positive political trait, while suitability, competency, experience and credibility are incidental attributes.
An institutional democracy warrants a vibrant Senate for which the right selection is a pre-requisite. It is not the location or magnitude of a building but type and quality of inhabitants which differentiates a stable, zoo, or barrack from a parliament
Paradoxically, Zardari formula has trickled to other provinces as well. In KP, Punjab and Karachi (MQM), attempts are being made to exploit the present internal differences within political parties. The honorary members of the National and Provincial assemblies are being overtly and covertly approached for a change of political loyalties, specific to Senate elections, using all means, methods and measures. We might see the practical manifestation of ‘Changa Manga” politics of the 90’s as the Senate election approaches.
An institutional democracy warrants a vibrant Senate for which the right selection is a pre-requisite. It is not the location or magnitude of a building but type and quality of inhabitants which differentiates astable, zoo, barrack or a parliament. The nominations made by almost all the political parties manifest criteria, which is a combination of political-cum personal loyalty and financial status of the candidates. Many of the potential senators are being termed as ATM’s of respective parties prior to their entry into this august house. The trend is particularly dangerous for the toddler democratic institutions of Pakistan. A hung national assembly with no or thin majority situation in Senate is not a healthy sign for democracy in Pakistan when seen in the light of our political culture and mindset of our political elite.
Hopes and chances for an institutional democracy get severely hampered when these ground realities are analysedin the backdrop of our weak electoral system and all important forthcoming Senate and National Assembly elections.Unfortunately, our media, despite tall claims of being the fourth pillar of the state, stands polarised,while conscious civil society has no platform. Should we leave the issue on mercy the of time, which may run in decades?Can Pakistan as a nation afford this? Is the chief justice of the apex court ready to take on this all-important issue?
The writer is a PhD scholar with diverse experience and international exposure
Published in Daily Times, February 12th 2018.