Daily Times

Finally, Pakistan is under the stewardship of those who clamoured for ‘Naya Pakistan’. Time will tell whether it was all rhetoric or seeds for real change had been sown. At this moment in time, the start is not that disappointing- though there have been a few allegations in the media against delinquency on part of the ruling party, their representatives have been accused of meddling in bureaucratic transfers.

However, ‘Naya Pakistan’ has caused a major change in the political configuration of Pakistan as a major set of political parties, who in the past ruled the roost for a long time, are now in the opposition. The moment they were shoved off to the side, their overall approach towards politics was exposed which is predominantly dictated by narrow vested interests and no regard for democratic values.

I am going to talk about the role of the opposition in the aftermath of elections, to shed light on the major stakeholders in Pakistan. The various political parties do not understand how to play a constructive role in the fragile democracy of Pakistan which is dependent upon them.

After 2018, elections the fissures formed by vested interests present in the opposition camp were highlighted. The first show of battle for political power was reflected in the tussle between the two major opposition parties, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). They evinced their disregard for each other in their nomination for various electoral slots, showcasing their obliviousness to the consequences of their intransigence, and lack of political acumen. By not being united amongst themselves to form a strong opposition, they let down democracy. As a result, they seem in disarray and are unable to play an effective role.

‘Naya Pakistan’ has caused a major change in the political configuration of Pakistan as a major set of political parties, who in the past ruled the roost for a long time, are now in the opposition. The moment they were shoved to the side, their overall approach towards politics was exposed, which is predominantly dictated by narrow vested interests and no regard for democratic values

Moreover, some members of the opposition for the sake of opposing, are supporting unconstitutional demands which threaten the pluralistic fabric of Pakistani society. Case in point is the recent take of Jamiat Ulema-e Islam-F’s (JUI-F) President Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman on the appointment of a competent economist Mian Atif, who belongs to the Ahmadi Community. He said that the appointment of someone from the Ahmadi community on the part of the government was tantamount to the promotion of Ahmadi agenda, this highlights the stooping nature of the opposition.

Keeping in view the history of opposition parties in Pakistan and the current disjointed opposition, it is not surprising to see such views flourishing. In Pakistan, either the opposition is too friendly with the government as we witnessed in 2008, in the case of PPP and PML-N; or the opposition starts disrupting the government by having sit-ins, and non-cooperation movements. Unfortunately, the current ruling party once in opposition also conducted themselves in such an unseemly manner. However, the current split opposition might allow the PTI government to sail unchallenged, which would not bode well for the democracy of Pakistan.

Opposition plays a crucial role in any democratic dispensation. It’s a check on the government which makes sure that it does not compromise on the public mandate. It reminds the government what is missing in their policies, and how they can cater to the greater good

It seems like the current opposition does not have the slightest idea of the crucial role it has to play. They should not forget that their disunity has paved the way for the intrusion of third-party actors because of which the country might suffer for decades.

The sustainability of civilian democracy in Pakistan is dependent not only on the government but also the opposition.

Inamullah Marwat holds an M.Phil. Degree in International Relations. He can be reached at uinam39@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/inamullah.marwat.5

Published in Daily Times, September 13^th 2018.