Masses are precise when they accuse politicians of taking U-turns. For the last seven to eight years from former President Pervaiz Musharraf, Asif Zardari to sitting PM Nawaz Sharif and other heads, leaders of major political and religious parties have taken numerous U-turns and not even expressed remorse over doing so.
Former Prime Minister and senior PPP leader Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Friday said Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri should have arrested much earlier as their arrests now would be dubbed as political victimization. He opposed the idea of holding elections before scheduled time arguing if elections are called early; it will not be good for the country. Former PM also told media that it is the democratic right of the PTI to hold rallies. This was also a U-turn as it was Gillani’s party top leadership who kept accusing protesting parties for organizing protest sit-ins as conspiracy to derail the democratic system. The policy of U-turns was really introduced by the then President Asif Ali Zardari who during his tenure in the presence of heavyweights politicians promised Nawaz Sharif to follow the Charter of Democracy signed by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif to jointly work in getting rid of dictatorship of then President Pervaiz Musharraf. Photos were appeared in electronic as well print media showing Asif Zardari, Nawaz Sharif along with Asfandyar, head of Awami National Party holding hands in hands vowing to follow Charter of Democracy in its true letter and spirit. After sometime Nawaz Sharif developed differences with PPP accusing Zardari of not living up to his words who flatly told Mian Sb “it was the words not Hadith”. Shahbaz Sharif being CM, Punjab started calling Zardari ‘Ali Baba Chalees Chor’ and refused to accept him President of Pakistan.Both Sharif brothers before and during election campaign promised general public to hold PPP leadership accountable for their ‘misdeeds’. Both went extra miles by telling masses they would hang Zaradri and ‘Chalees Chor” upside down on the chowk and would recover looted money of the public.
After assuming office, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made U-turn by softening his ‘stance’ with regard to the PPP. Keeping Zardari away from sometime, PM started holding telephonic contacts with Asif Zardari and even invited him to PM’s House as well Raiwaind to ‘discuss matter of national interest’. He also sought PPP’s help to deal with the pre and post- sit ins by the protesting parties PTI and PAT. Now again both Zardari and Nawaz Sharif are taking U-turns by issuing derogatory remarks against each others indirectly. But despite all odds, both the parties remained in touch through Opposition Leader in National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Shah and Senator Ch Eitizaz to emerge victorious in ongoing political confrontation.
Things are heating up again as not only arrest warrants have been issued against Imran Khan and Dr Qadri but both have been declared as proclaimed offenders. Imran Khan had already told indirectly to the incumbent government that he and none of his party activist were involved in attacking PTV and the Parliament. He also announced not to seek bail and ready to go jail. While PAT chief Dr Qadri who is likely to arrive Pakistan from Canada on Nov 20, has reportedly rejected the charges framed against him and told his party he would announce future strategy upon his arrival. Thus now there is no role of political jirga which was striving hard to end the political impasse.
Sirajul Haq, Ameer Ji is stressing upon the government to resume talks with PTI and also honour its commitment regarding reconstitution of the Election Commission, the electoral reforms and the setting up of a judicial commission to probe into rigging in 2013 elections. He has requested both sides to show more flexibility and resume dialogue to avoid any confliction which would not be good for any party
He has reportedly told media that the issuance of warrants against Imran Khan, Tahirul Qadri, Parvez khattak and others was not a political move and would add fuel to the fire in the present situation. He also advised the ruling party to drop all the charges and bring the people together instead of pitching them against each other.
Ironically after watching the latest episode, the PPP has opted to break the silence. But the way things are moving it seems very difficult for both PML-N and PTI to make up. PM has written the letter to Supreme Court for formation of judicial commission to probe rigging alleged by Imran Khan. He has clearly conveyed message to Imran Khan he can not dictate SC and now it is up to the apex court to decide. PTI has to leave the matter up to SC as the judiciary is working independently which is evident from the verdict in Maryam Nawaz case..
