Daily Times

Picking daily fights with opponents distracts from challenges and gets up a divisive from of governance. Good governance is need for competent government. It requires new thinking and fresh planning as well as innovating and resolving conflicts. Decision-making requires institutional approach not personalized whimsical views and stumbling response. What takes to manage competently is the real significant question. Countries with leaders who governed well before the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent crises were decisive inclusive and listened to their experts after the outbreak, did much better to contain the virus through discipline and effective system of information and implementation of what the people were supposed to do and how to minimize the impact of the dangerous virus by following standard operating instructions and practices we know how the global leadership had reacted. And we are also aware of leaders so whimsical who made policy a hostage to their ego. Political environment and international issues make a difference.

Top military commanders review operational readiness and the evolving threat spectrum in context of external and internal security. Chief of Army staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa appreciates level of combat readiness of Pakistan Army. The army chief especially lauded efforts in aid of civil administration in fight against COVID-19 and locust. General Bajwa stressed the need to exercise maximum care with respect to Eid-ul-Azha and Muharram-Ul-Haram to maintain the gains achieved in countering the pandemic. Corps commanders’ conference also appreciated efforts of doctors, healthcare workers, paramedics across the country. The forum reiterated its resolve to thwart any threat to the country’s security. Last year, Indian government had revoked the special status, or limited autonomy, granted under article 370 of the Indian constitution to Jammu and Kashmir. The region is being illegally occupied by India. The state consists of the larger part of Kashmir which has been the subject of dispute particularly between India and Pakistan. International media recently visited line of control (LOC) as Indian ceasefire violations increase.

In this context Pakistan’s diplomatic offensive on Kashmir has isolated India. More forceful initiatives and however needed to expose the real face of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. All the barbaric and inhuman treatment of unarmed innocent Kashmiris could not crush the freedom struggle of valiant Kashmiris. As an important branch of government, judiciary has a Vital role of creating a balance, correcting wrongs to ensure justice peace and an environment of efficacy and effectiveness as well as equality and unity. And criticism of performance of state institutions should be viewed as a move to bring about improvements in structure and functions of institutions so that they remain focused on challenges and do not get trapped in divisive form of governance. The supreme court of Pakistan thus observed that till the completion of investigation and filing of references in the accountability courts, the national accountability bureau (NAB) should not arrest people. A three-member special bench headed by chief justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed made this observation while hearing a sue moto notice about the delay in decision-making process in case before the Accountability courts.

At the end of the day investigations of cases and reports thereon have to be erodible valid and reliable, to meet the standards of public interest and good governance

The NAB was directed to frame rules under section 34 of the National accountability ordinance (NAO) 1999 by the next date of hearing. The court noted that the NAB prosecution and investigation were incompetent and flawed. Chief Justice (CJP) said, under NAB ordinance, cases need to be decided within 30 days, but are being decided in 30 years.

NAB chairman responding to supreme court said it was impossible to conclude corruption cases in 30 days. Justice (r) Javed Iqbal said, shortage of courts cause show disposal of cases. The CJP had asked the law secretary to set up new courts after getting approval from the competent authorities. The court had also sought suggestions from the NAB chairman for the expedition’s disposal of pending references. In a response submitted to the supreme court, the NAB Chief maintained that supreme court, the NAB chief maintained that the anti-graft body had conveyed these issues multiple times to the government that the accountability courts were unable to meet the legal requirements due to a dearth of courts and judges. Amendments to NAB law involves a set of issues to be settled.

There is need to adopt professional approach by experts who understand the significance of scientific methodology and the role of facts against fiction in modern investigations and reporting, with responsibility and honesty. Without such an initiative neither the police nor judges can think of making a contribution to the task of ensuring justice. Investigators must unearth the truth behind cases under investigation. At the end of the day investigations of cases and reports thereon have to be erodible valid and reliable, to meet the standards of public interest and good governance. We in Pakistan need internal unity to take some bold initiatives to fight out internal and external challenges. It is history that we need to understand. Muslim countries should mobilize to cooperate in technological trade, cultural and social affairs. All Muslim Countries have to stand for international solidarity against Islamophobia, and raise their voice against growing anti-Muslim Sentiment. As long we stand united, we earn resolve every problem. Things could have been different is an afterthought. Plan with vision and wisdom. Focus on challenges. Focus on future of Pakistan. Say no to divisive form of governance.

The writer is the former director of National Institute of Administration (NIPA), Government of Pakistan