Daily Times

The jury is out but the preliminary verdict is in. And the noose is fast tightening around Asif Ali Zardari’s neck. For the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has published damning findings as part of its probe into the fake bank account case.

The charge sheet against the PPP co-Chairman centres on the Omni Group (allegedly owned by Zardari and his close aides) purchasing at below market prices four state-run entities in Sindh: one cement factory and three sugar mills. But not before the provincial government turned these into so-called sick units by suspending funds and subsidies prior to closing them down. The upshot being that the former president stands accused of using front-men to pocket profits totalling billions of rupees that by default belong to the people of Sindh.

Of course, at heart of this case is the ruling PTI’s pre-election pledge to battle corruption from the top-down. Yet before getting down to the nitty gritty it must be noted that the making public of the JIT report ahead of next month’s final hearing by the Supreme Court (SC) raises important questions about the tenets of a free and fair trial. Not to mention playing into the hands of those who decry what they see as the media assuming the role of judge, jury and executioner. If nothing else, it affords defendants the opportunity to gauge public opinion ahead of the final countdown; always an advantage when those in the dock are high-profile politicians. Similarly, such premature dishing of the dirt allows the government to put in its tuppence worth. When due process should be allowed to run its course; unimpeded. And when, given recent developments in Sindh, debate on governor rule should be the priority.

That being said, Zardari is where he is. And he must answer these allegations before the courts. For while it is understood that the country’s accountability process is not perfect and that this has been used in the past to target political opponents — to talk at this juncture of an ongoing witch-hunt to weaken the joint opposition will likely do no good in the long-term. At best, it will be seen as an attempt to deflect from the issue at hand. At worst, it may hint at attempts to preserve the prevailing system of dynasty politics.

To be sure, Pakistan finds itself at a crossroads. Nawaz Sharif, the head of the biggest opposition party is back behind bars. While his daughter and heir apparent is out on bail. The younger Sharif, who now holds the mantle of PMLN president, potentially faces imminent jail time; also over corruption. Thus both the PPP and PMLN must prepare themselves for the worst. Including undertaking concerted efforts to democratise the inner-workings of each party; particularly when it comes to nominating the top leadership. Indeed, the PMLN has already made tentative moves towards this end by establishing an advisory council to run party affairs in the event that Shehbaz Sharif will not be free to do so. It is therefore time for the PPP to make similar arrangements; while Bilawal Zardari Bhutto leaves it to his father to clear his own name.

Pakistan is a fledgling democracy. And commitment to due process marks one of the most important prescriptions to the country’s long-term health. It is therefore hoped that this is kept upmost in everyone’s mind.  *

Published in Daily Times, December 27^th 2018.