Daily Times

Political stability even in the best of circumstances remains elusive in Pakistan. The day before Prime Minister Imran Khan targeted his opponents and indicated that corrupt ‘criminals’ will not be spared. Yesterday, former President Asif Ali Zardari  lashed out at the government and accused it of incompetence alerting that it might not be able to complete its term. The PMLN leaders face numerous cases but their recent performance in bye elections has boosted the party’s morale. The party is perhaps waiting for the right moment to settle scores with its rival in power.

The underlying tension between the main opposition parties and the government relates to the conduct of National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Not only that the opposition politicians have accused NAB of high handedness but the Supreme Court has also questioned NAB’s work and style. There is a broad consensus in Pakistan that accountability must go on and those who have harmed the country should be brought to book. However, this process needs to be above board and should not appear as some kind of witch-hunt. Sadly, the NAB remains arbitrary and selective thus far. And this is a problem that the government should address. Perhaps the best way forward would be to seek parliamentary input in making the NAB more independent, transparent and rule-based and eliminating all possibilities of interference by executive agencies.

PM Imran Khan has inherited a tottering economy and a plethora of issues that would require the support of political parties, provinces and above all the parliament. This is why a minority government must recognise the limits of its power and find ways reduce political tensions and acrimony. The continued conflict with opposition – that is divided for now, yet formidable – will only harm the prospects of wide ranging reform agenda that the Imran Khan has promised.

It is therefore critical to reform the NAB law as well as its procedures. In addition, the cabinet ministers must remain engaged in a dialogue with opposition parties. For the ultimate test of PTI will be the actual delivery on its promises. A long list of NAB cases, court appearances and media trials will lose their impact sooner than later. Public opinion is mercurial even in advanced democracies and Pakistan’s history shows us that incumbency breeds discontent. It is time for the government to focus on people’s welfare and tone down the rhetoric that may have brought Mr Khan to power but is not enough for longevity in office.  *

Published in Daily Times, October 22^nd 2018.