Opposition Leader Shahabz Sharif comes back to Pakistan at a time when the country is in desperate need of unity. Yet it remains to be seen whether his return will bring some calm to Pakistan’s politics or something quite to the contrary. Sadly, the minister for technology, Fawad Chaudhary, thought it right to throw down the gauntlet on behalf of the government even before Shahbaz had taken off; asking that he be kept at Mayo Hospital for 14 days so he understands what the people are going through. Now, surely, PML-N will repay in the same coin, and chances are that the atmosphere will sour more than anything else.
Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto set an admirable example recently by refusing to criticise the government, even where he thought he could, because of the prevalent situation. Political parties should put aside fighting for another day because, considering the circumstances, anything that distracts them from the interests of the people could actually mean lots and lots of deaths. It was hoped that PML-N would follow PPP’s example and extend all possible help to the government in this time of grave national need. Hopefully that moment has not already been spoiled by one over eager minister known more for breaking than making things.
It will also be instructive to see how the government decides to proceed with what is now openly known to be a pretty vindictive accountability drive. Even when the latest PML-N leaders, the Khwaja brothers, were released on bail just the other day, the judge of the honourable court was forced to imply that either the accountability watchdog’s intention or ability was in doubt. Also, with nothing really coming out of this process and the courts also beginning to wonder what it has been all about, perhaps it’s time that the government too appreciates its futility. That is not to imply that the fight against corruption should end; just that if there were compelling proof why hasn’t anybody seen any yet in so many cases?
The coming days and weeks will test both government and opposition. It is in times of crises, after all, that everybody’s true mettle is revealed. If political parties allow their more immature elements to control what is going to be a very important narrative, they will just prove themselves unworthy of representing the people’s interest at the biggest stage. *