15 months of PDM government after removal of PTI government through vote of no confidence (managed) because process was completed in hours of darkness. Supreme Court and Islamabad High Courts came in to action and opened the courts respectively tells the story that it was not smooth removal as a result PTI is in confrontation with the government and establishment. The PDM government openly violated orders of SC by not holding elections in given time frame speaks volume of state of affairs of Pakistan and so called the democracy which is so dear to us but practically we never practiced it in true spirit. However, the SC and government fixed 8 February 2024 to hold general elections. The caretaker government and ECP created lot of hurdles to ensure PTI to keep out of election process by stripping PTI of bat symbol that was restored by Peshawar High Court declaring it a basic right but final blow came when Supreme Court in an appeal denied PTI symbol of Bat. This was certainly a big setback to party as their candidates had to file nomination papers as independent candidates. What treatment was meted out to PTI candidates is an open secret as the entire world watched this drama. This was perhaps the only election in the country which became highly controversial due to alleged massive irregularities, ECP and care taker government let loose the election and winning candidates according to form 45 were allegedly defeated by preparing form 47 with greater degree of manipulation. What happened on election day is available on social media and shall serve permanent record on the conduct of election. Since independent (PTI) candidates emerged as the largest party therefore, they still claim and continue pressing their demand of results as per form 45 which is the basic and only authentic document showing result of winning candidates. Countries, when they hold elections, their objective is to bring stability. Democracy only functions when it holds elections as per constitution so that a mandate is earned. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, the election results always end up in dispute causing further instability. Political pundits predicted landslide victory for PML N that gave courage to Nawaz to make a premature victory speech.
Their main strength was in central Punjab area, from where they used to sweep the number of seats. It was unthinkable for them to lose to independents (PTI). However, PML N formed coalition government with major support from PPP. But PPP has not accepted ministries looks planning a bigger game to strike at an appropriate time.The end result is Pakistan has plunged further in to internal stability and financial crisis. The budget is under sharp criticism from all the segments of society including some of their own people. IMF conditionality’s has further impacted largely population of country due to increase in utilities. There is no control on price hike and common man has started taking to streets specially on account of additional multiple taxes on electricity bills. Media has disappointed the people due to one sided propaganda against most popular party. Huge display of advertisements on governments performance with PM photo has failed to satisfy the people, pushing country towards deeper instability and economic collapse. We are borrowing more loans to pay interest on loans.
A total of 175 political parties are registered with the ECP. Out of this lot only PTI was subjected to scrutiny on intra party elections. In Pakistan political parties revolve around personalities and intra party elections are just a hoax. Pakistan is suffering from dynastic politics that is major reason that democracy has not taken its roots. Intra party elections are just formality and no worker can dare to challenge the practice in vogue. However, certain individuals go to ECP and higher courts and challenge validity of intra party elections, a cumbersome and time consuming exercise. It was very strange decision of Peshawar High Court to uphold decision of ECP to allot additional reserve seats of independents (PTI) to PML N, PPP and JUI whereas the reserve seats as per constitution are allotted on the basis of seats won in general election.
12 July 2024 shall be remembered as landmark day in the history of Pakistan when SC set aside PHC decision as it was against the constitution and seats have been allotted to SIC(PTI) and corrected the wrong done to PTI and restored its status PTI like other parties and ordered to allot reserve seats to PTI. Unfortunately, any party that loses its case in apex court starts criticizing the judges. If losing party does not accept the decision of the court it would be more appropriate for them not to go to court .PML N track record about judiciary has been otherwise pathetic. Attack on SC by PML N and tapes of Justice Qayoom are still haunting the nation. If the attackers had been punished at that time this situation could have never reached. Our political parties have failed to establish culture of tolerance and accepting defeat gracefully, every decision of SC must be criticized looks as if it is SOP of all the political parties. This attitude and behavior has badly affected the economy of the country and overburdened our courts with cases of political nature. Situation was so grave that COAS had to visit countries to get assistance from friendly countries. Unfortunately, failure of political leadership irrespective of parties always seek shelter of establishment.
Question arises what is the way forward and way out. Under present circumstances options are limited. PTI has to exhibit better sense of responsibility and stop their criticism against establishment. Let sanity prevail country has suffered a great deal due to confrontation between parties’. No political party should ever think of challenging the writ of state and must function according to the constitution of Pakistan. PTI must have learned lesson. However, following suggestions are made to diffuse the current situation
a. Government and opposition to stop criticism against each other except on national issues
b. Both sides should show maturity and stop discussing past, in any case past of every party has been disappointing
c. PTI and Government to immediately stop their loose talk on social media and talk shows
d. Ban on talk shows for 3 months, they create more fuss
e. There should be no criticism against the establishment
f. There should be immediate stoppage on social media specially facebook against establishment and judiciary
g. All political detainees be freed, as a gesture of good will release all the women prisoners
h. There will be no criticism against judges of higher courts
i. We should stop mantra of Article 6
j. Government should create an atmosphere of peace and stop even thinking banning PTI the largest party of state.
k. PTI should display flexibility as rigidness shall be harmful
l. Political rivals be defeated politically and not by instituting cases against leaders.
m. Both factions to prepare comprehensive agenda to take the country out of present mess
n. PTI to enter in to dialogue without any preconditions
Country cannot afford this state of affairs for a longer period. Enemies are knocking our doors. In the ongoing operation from Jan 2024 , 22409 joint intelligence based operation by army, police and FC were carried out, 398 terrorists were killed, and in fighting 137 officers and jawans embraced Shahadat. Pakistan is facing threat of terrorists round the clock due to porous border with Afghanistan. All parties should get united and chalk out permanent solution of issues to safeguard the country and move forward. Our economic position is really very bad therefore government should cut down its expenditure and that should be visible.
UTHO WAGARNA HASHAR NA HOGA PHIR KABI
DAURO ZAMANA CHAL QIAMAT KI CHAL GIA
