Daily Times

Going by a joint statement issued at its conclusion, the meeting at Jati Umra between Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Maryam Nawaz at Jati Umra has an auspicious ring about it for democracy and the parliament. The two agreed to make efforts in the parliament to block what both see as an anti-people budget. They shall also demand production orders for the detained MNAs. The message is loud and clear. The opposition wants the parliamentary system to continue. Given the mounting frustration of the general public an early resort to street protests could open the door for the removal of the government and a collapse of parliamentary democracy.

They also discussed a joint strategy for a protest movement both in the parliament and outside it after consultation with other parties. It seems that the opposition might hold back the street agitation for now as long as the government is willing to concede it space in the parliament. This is the second meeting between two popular leaders in a month. They had earlier met at an iftar-dinner at the Islamabad residence of Bilawal Bhutto. The government should blame itself for bringing together the two parties, which have long been seen as irreconcilable rivals. The incessant attacks by the ruling party are also bringing other opposition parties closer. The government could delay the protest by not choosing to arrest opposition leaders under investigation on various charges and freeing its own cadres facing the similar probes. Besides the parliamentary opposition, the government has managed to stir the lawyers by initiating references against two superior court judges. No effort has meanwhile been made to win public approval for the recently announced federal budget. No wonder the opposition fancies its chances says when it says it will try to block its passage.

The government needs to address the opposition’s concerns, which are not altogether unfounded. The speaker should issue the production orders for all detained MNAs, and order their release until their cases are decided by courts of law. Also, people-friendly suggestions should be incorporated in the budget irrespective of whether they come from the opposition benches or from the treasury party. More importantly, those on treasury benches should learn the fine art of representing the government in the parliament and not try to be the super opposition. They must show tolerance for opposition’s views and do nothing to stop their expression in the parliament or outside. Instead, we see treasury benches booing the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly as he rises to open the budget debate. Such breaks with parliamentary norms will not result in a Naya Pakistan. *