Daily Times

In Pakistan, it seems that the militants have won this round. The latter are likely savouring the wanton destruction unleashed this week that left around 150 dead; making it one of the largest terror-related death tolls in the country’s history. That much is understood. But what has been unexpected is the way in which the custodians of democracy — namely, the interim set-up — appear to have conceded defeat to men whose idea of courage is to blow themselves up amid unarmed civilians.

The caretaker government in the Centre has effectively washed its hands of any responsibility for the recent carnage. Indeed, in true tried-and-tested tradition, it has passed the buck to the provinces. But just to be clear, the provision of additional security at this sensitive time should not be dependent upon the latter requesting it; but a matter of course.

It seems that those currently at the helm have not learned the lessons of 2013. In case five years is long enough to warrant a bout of (selective) amnesia, allow us to remind Prime Minister Justice (retd) Nasir-ul-Mulk and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (retd) Sardar Mohammad Raza Khan of that time. Back then, political parties, their supporters and ordinary voters literally risked life and limb during the entire election and campaign process. With the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) engaging in brutal pre-poll vote rigging. Fast-forward to today and Pakistan is now home to groups like ISIS; which have their own local proxies.

Furthermore, all parties across the great divide face threats. Thus, it is inexcusable that leaderships receive preferential security treatment over others. The interim PM and CEC must answer for the continuing hurdles faced by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. In the latest incident, the PPP chairman’s plane was not afforded permission to leave Lahore for Peshawar. Thus, he and other party members had to travel by road; just days after Bannu and Mastung.  By contrast, PTI supremo Imran Khan faced no such travel impediments to campaigning. This is pre-poll rigging by another name. And, as such, it is just as dangerous as that carried out by militant hands. To Bilawal’s credit, he has assured his supporters that the PPP will not admit defeat; and is prepared to contest the elections in the face of such adversity. Though he has cautioned that if the playing field remains so uneven the party will have legitimate grounds to question the final ballot tally.

Those in charge of ensuring the smooth running of the voting process need to go beyond announcing one-day periods of national mourning. Thus an emergency meeting of the National Security Council needs to be convened. Nothing more. Nothing less. And topping the agenda must be a redrawing of the National Action Plan (NAP). For the simple reason that it is not working. If this is strictly due to non-implementation then heads need to roll.

We trust that Justices Mulk and Khan will do the needful.  *

Published in Daily Times, July 15^th 2018.