Pakistan’s Politics: A ‘ tragedy of errors’
Ishtiaq Ahmed
Another month, another week, and another day but the same ‘comedy of errors’ or perhaps more appropriately the ‘tragedy of errors’. It would also be not wrong to describe the current debilitating developments in the Punjab provincial assembly as a ’tragedy of horror’.
This is a further indication of the ineptness of our political ‘oligarchs’. Yes, ‘political oligarchs’ indeed. Given their shenanigans, it is becoming increasingly difficult to refer to them as ‘political leaders.’ Their desperation in hanging on to power is more likened to an auction room where ‘where auctioneers and bidders are the same people. The moral and ethical considerations are set aside to trade and purchase power at any cost to the country and the people. In fact, people are dismissed with the utmost contempt.
Do I sound angry? Yes, I am damn angry at our nation’s future being traded by these self-serving oligarchs. So should every self-respecting Pakistani be angry at what is transpiring in Pakistan before us. This can’t be right, in fact, it is not right on any account.
The recent ongoing events in the National Assembly only a few months back are being re-enacted in the Punjab assembly with even greater ruthlessness in total disregard for the integrity of political and legal institutions and, more insidiously, the public opinion.
The present development in Punjab and hitherto in the national assembly are part of a bigger political malaise. The country has slipped into the hands of industrial ‘ oligarchs’, land mafia, and their hoodlums. The future of the nation is being traded and coerced for personal interests.
The situation in the Punjab assembly has come about because an un-elected leader of a minority political party was coerced by a powerful lobby of political oligarchs to negate the decision of the elected members of his party to exercise their parliamentary right. The question arises whether an unelected party leader, sitting outside the parliament, can constitutionally do this?
The emerging legal consensus despite being clouded by party partisan views seems to be that the unelected party head acted outside of his jurisdiction i.e. it was not in his powers to override the decision of the parliamentary party. Therefore, the deputy speaker was constitutionally wrong to make the decision of the unelected party head as the basis for declaring the legitimate votes of the elected members of the Q-League invalid.
The decision of the deputy speaker undermines the supremacy of the elected house and its members. This is actually the crux of the matter. It is the legitimacy of the elected members that is at stake. If interference from unelected sources is allowed then this would seriously undermine the constitution of the country whilst at the same time bringing the legitimacy and independence of the elected members into disrepute.
Moving forward, there are a number of options out of the current irregularities:
- To rescind the unconstitutional ruling of the deputy speaker. This is the most convenient and easier way out of the current lull. It will also restore and affirm the integrity of the constitutional rights of the elected members.
- The supreme could intervene to establish a national caretaker government to move forward with the national elections. This may be a precedent but perhaps the safest and quickest route out of the current situation.
- For the army to step in on an interim basis to facilitate elections at the earliest date. This is the least preferred option but maybe the only option with a heavy heart to get the country out of the present mess.
It is expected that the higher legal authorities will rescind the decision of the deputy speaker and re-instate the ten votes thereby the majority vote will stand. The alternative options will only land the country in even greater uncertainty which it can ill afford.
The writer is a British citizen of Pakistani origin with a keen interest in Pakistani and international affairs.
Ishtiaq Ahmed is it not true that Pakistani politicians of all
Shades and colours have no consciences, principles, ethics and moral scruples. They are intoxicated only with the acquisition of power. They are dishonest , liars, incompetent and above all corrupt and hypocrites. When in power they all lick the boots of army establishment and obey them like faithful dogs. However, when they lose their power they start to bite the same hand that fed them. But again in the same breath they also beg the establishment to help them to remain in power. What a nondescript shammeless lot.
The judiciary is subservient to the establishment also and happily will indulge in political disputes and make political decisions to appease and please both politicians and the establishment. This is how the country has been and still is so called governed. And the public is only used as the political fodder which is so guilble and easy to be exploited by demagogury and the use of many political cards including religion and money to secure political support.
Since the military establishment is still most decipilianed and powerful despite recent covert and overt criticism against its unconstitutional role to interfere in politics, it nevertheless seems ready and waiting in the wings to prey on stupid politicians when the opportunity is there.
Bhai Mohammed Ajeeb, you have held up a mirror which Pakistani politicians of all shades to see and reflect against. To a greater or a lesser extent, Pakistani politicians of all descriptions are in collusion to sustain the present very unequal political system because it protects and benefits their vested interests.
Recently, I asked a friend, an experienced legal mind of enormous international experience, why people like him don’t go for public positions, for example in senate or in the elected assembly? His response was nothing new but still very telling:
You need millions to stand a chance of getting there. It requires big financial investment to buy political favours. To stand in the elections for the national and provincial elected houses, you again require millions of rupees. The politics in Pakistan is a game for rich and privileged. Only industrial and land mafia and crime lords are able to afford to play this. This is a sad reality in our country. It is not a game for the citizens. The British used to display the sign which said “ No Indians and dogs “ . The political slogan in Pakistan is ‘ only privileged and wealthy’ .
Situation is going from bad to worse
There is no respect of constitution and mandate given by people of Punjab
Ruling mafia is adamant to turn majority party in to minority in both centre & in Punjab province
I hope Supreme Court makes a decision on merit and establishment of Pakistan 🇵🇰 wakes up before its too late
Those thugs of political mafias of Pakistan must be prosecuted and kicked out otherwise we will be crying for another 75 years
Pakistan has so much potential and talent but unfortunately is controlled by dynasties and corrupt for far too long 😢
It’s hard to digest in today’s day and age this type of activities are still going on.. the world has moved forward even Bangladesh and yet it’s a shame Pakistani politicians or so called leaders are still trying to hord more wealth.. the problem I see is where does one start to clear up the mess judiciary, politicians, army, the establishments setup..
Repent and Allah will help. Do not be angry or despondent good days are coming.