Public: The Ultimate Arbitrator

Ishtiaq Ahmed

London: The evolving political situation in Pakistan is extremely worrying. Things are moving forward quickly following the rejection of the ‘no-confidence motion’ by the deputy speaker of the House, Qasim Khan Suri, and the decision by the President at the request of the PM to dissolve the Assembly to move forward to the national elections.
This has left the opposition forces bewildered and gasping in anger. A petition has been filed by the PPP with the Supreme Court to rescind the decision of the deputy speaker, thus reinstating the process for the vote on the ‘no-confidence’ motion to take place as originally planned.
Along with these on-goings, Governor of Punjab Muhammad Sarwar was suddenly removed from his office this morning under very suspicious circumstances and replaced by an old stalwart of the PTI. The issue of the provincial chief minister remains pending.
The political situation is becoming increasingly tense and volatile. Confusion reigns, and the revelation by the PM that the National Security Council (NSC) has verified the external involvement in the game plan to oust the PM has further added to what is already a very volatile situation.

Pakistan Vying For Unity

It is interesting to note that the reference to the Supreme Court seeking the reversal of the decision by the deputy speaker is exclusively made by the PPP. Thus far the PML-N is proving to remain aloof on this matter.
One would have thought that both principal parties would have been elated at the prospect of the elections. After all, this has been their central demand throughout Imran Khan’s tenure. However, they do not seem to be too enthusiastic.
The Supreme Court has deferred its hearing until tomorrow, despite earlier indications that a decision of some type was imminent today. It is being acknowledged that there were some practical difficulties in assembling the full hearing bench of five judges following the refusal by some judges to come forward.
It is very much anticipated that the Supreme Court will not do more than serve notice on both sides to submit further documentary evidence on the procedures followed. This is unlikely to prevent moving forward with the announced national elections.
Whatever the pros and cons of the current situation, the ultimate arbitrator in this sordid political game will inevitably be the Pakistani public.
Therefore, why not allow it to adjudicate at the ballot box at the earliest opportunity? This would be a sensible thing to do.