Daily Times

The PML-N is fighting to remain relevant in Pakistan’s political landscape. The accusations against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can make or break the party. A significant group in the party does not want to contest elections without the former premier. The strategy that they develop will decide their political future, while mobilising the masses could make a difference.

It is of vital significance to pull the country back from the brink. Some people are of the view that the hullabaloo created over Nawaz’s recent interview is nothing more than a smokescreen to pressurise him into remaining silent. Nawaz Sharif’s defiance, on the other hand, has surprised many. Many now tend to think that selective justice is no justice, and this has led to the demand for a truth commission gathering momentum.

It is also essential to uphold democratic values in the country and to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with other states. Coercion in any form cannot be a part of democratic politics. All political parties need to understand this instead of simply ensuring their share in the power pie. Politicians also need to keep an eye on extremists and terrorists, and be prepared for community level action to curb extremism and criminality in society.

In politics, narratives change all the time and the real situation might not be what it seems on the surface. A state of denial is relative, and cannot be attributed to a single individual

We need to restore Pakistan’s soft image as well. Like true believers, our people need to escape the perpetual mist of doubt. Pakistan must earn a respectable and a responsible place in the comity of nations. Truth is indeed bitter sometimes, but we need to prepare ourselves to face it. Let the people of Pakistan deal with the truth.

We must avoid reading too much between the lines, for this will only add to the confusion that already exists and that is harming our national interests. In politics, narratives change all the time and the real situation might not be what it seems on the surface. A state of denial is relative and cannot be attributed to a single individual.

Experience shows that in Pakistan’s case, a state of denial on certain issues is the result of collective thinking.

This is particularly true in television talk shows, and tends to happen in situations focusing on India. The Indian media does the same as well. However, we need to change our approach in order to find the ‘truth’.

We need to look at things from multiple perspectives without bias in order to discern the truth. Sanity must prevail so that we can protect our internal unity and our politico-economic and social stability. The politics of hate and revenge is damaging Pakistan’s interests as well as its bilateral relations with other countries.

We must also be careful in making statements about politics and politicians since others can exploit these situations to their benefit. Sadly, this is what they have been doing for the last 70 years. If our own people say they do not trust Nawaz Sharif, the Indian media will only naturally support this narrative. It is nearly impossible for an enemy country to trust our leaders, especially under the current paradigm of rapidly increasingly tensions between the two countries.

We must also be careful in making statements about politics and politicians since others can exploit these situations to their benefit. Sadly, this is what they have been doing for the last 70 years. If our own people say they do not trust Nawaz Sharif, the Indian media will only naturally support this narrative

What was the point of ‘Dawn Leaks 2’, especially over an issue seven years old? And who is it that benefits from the maelstrom this generated? It is also unthinkable that the Prime Minister of Pakistan would think of doing things to please and favour India.

Any one putting a negative label on Nawaz Sharif would thus not be in a healthy state of mind. It is possible political rivals from opposition parties could have incited people to indulge in such madness, but distorting facts is unethical.

In the backdrop of the Kargil issue, Pakistan could not achieve harmony as its efforts on different fronts did not complement or enhance one another. This inability to achieve synergy turned a successful venture into a crisis, not so much for the government of then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, but for the ideological state of Pakistan. Thus, only time will reveal the long term consequences of withdrawing from Kargil.

During the Kargil crisis, the Indian offensive against Kashmir and Pakistan was supported by the West, particularly by anti-Muslim forces. War hysteria was evident in the Indian controlled media as well, while American pressure on Pakistan was at its peak.

The writer is a former Director, National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Government of Pakistan, a political analyst, a public policy expert and an author. His book ‘Post 9/11 Pakistan’ was published in the United States

Published in Daily Times, May 22^nd 2018.