Daily Times

In a recent interview to an English daily, Nawaz Sharif not only tried to divulge state secrets but also disseminated Indian allegations related to the 2008 Mumbai blasts. Issuing such remarks at a time when Pakistan is hoping for India’s cooperation over the issue of the infamous spy Kulbhushan Jadhav and over the long awaited Samjhota Express episode is simply puerile.

The specious statements Nawaz Sharif made regarding terrorism in Mumbai could very well be the last nail in the PML-N’s coffin, since the party is already in the grips of chaos for many different reasons. This statement is also unsettling for the nation because it can tarnish Pakistan’s global image.

Nawaz’s statement, moreover, makes it clear that he now views foreign allies as the only recourse available to him and to his family. Imran Khan had it spot on when he claimed that Nawaz was seeking help from the ‘international establishment’. It is a highly silly stance to knock on the doors of another country instead of facing the music.

The challenges the largest mandated party in Punjab is facing do not justify the leadership’s weak stance and its desire to cry over spilt milk. The ‘Mujhy kyun nikala’ episode is something that can be discussed but chanting slogans in favour of the state’s most bitter enemy is an absolutely narrow-minded and a highly deplorable act.

This is a turning point and a highly anticipated moment because if the state fails to take decisive action against the disqualified PM, his next statement might be even more contentious, and might have far stronger ramifications for national sentiments and for the country’s pride

The Indian media’s reaction to the issue is naturally unsettling for Pakistanis, but what is perhaps even more disgruntling is the way Nawaz Sharif and his cohorts are defending the case. The timing of this statement is also significant since the general elections are just around the corner.

On the one hand, Shahbaz Sharif is busy in interacting with the people of Sindh so that the PML-N can collect the sympathies of the Sindh is who have historically been voting for the party of Shaheeds. On the other hand, he, Maryam and Nawaz are busy in covering the other provinces.  Could the Nawaz doctrine possibly harm the party’s portfolio in Pakistan?

It seems Chaudhary Nisar is the only person who can play a crucial role in ending the tussle between Nawaz and state actors, because he appears to be more intelligent than other PML-N leaders. However, he too seems frustrated because of the policies the party is following and the internal rifts within the party that can give birth to an entirely new party from within the PML-N.

The National Security Committee (NSC) may have taken serious exception to Nawaz’s remarks, but this will not be enough to rinse out the gist of his anti-state propaganda. After disqualification from the premiership, Nawaz has been seriously thinking of regaining at any cost the reputation he lost among the masses.

Shockingly, there seems to be no role for PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in bringing to an end this sordid episode. His defence of Nawaz’s remarks are unbecoming of a prime minister and highlight that he is a mere ‘puppet’ in the hands of Nawaz Sharif.

Moreover, these statements appear to be an attempt by the deposed PM to divert attention away from his trial and to beseech his allies to influence the ongoing corruption references. The NSC correctly termed Nawaz’s remarks as ‘misleading’ but the Committee should also force Nawaz to avoid making such remarks in the future. It should also force him to face trial and prove his innocence instead of tarnishing the country’s global standing.

The former premier’s remarks, moreover, provide the US and India with the perfect opportunity to pressurise Pakistan. If these countries choose to do this just when Pakistan is preparing for elections, it would create problems of mammoth proportions for the caretaker government.

A large part of the country’s population is already anxious and frustrated because of the prevailing socioeconomic environment in the country. Thus, the PML-N leadership should focus on real issues people face like the water shortage and load shedding, instead of repeating the mantra of ‘Mujhy kyun nikala’.

This is in fact a turning point and a highly anticipated moment because if the state fails to take decisive action against the disqualified PM, his next statement might be even more contentious, and might have far stronger ramifications for national sentiments and for the country’s pride.

Hatching conspiracies and playing dirty politics at the cost of national interests can destabilise Pakistan. Thus, it must soon be decided once for all who truly is pro-Pakistan and who is against it.

The writer is a freelancer based in Badin, Sindh and can be reached at abbaskhaskheli110@gmail.com

Published in Daily Times, May 21^st 2018.