Spiny Interrogation

Regretfully, because our political leaders won’t discuss the issues that separate them, THE 18TH ARTICLE has emerged as the unwelcome elephant in policy circles. The PPP and PML-N have been at odds over the issue recently, as some comments made by N-League leaders were seen by the PPP as hinting at a new plot to undo the amendment. With the federal resource pie getting smaller, there has been an increase in criticism of the 18th Amendment in recent years. This criticism is primarily attributed to “security” circles and political parties trying to gain favor with them. Given how much the PML-N is rising to prominence these days, it was not shocking that some of its leaders’ remarks about the 18th Amendment infuriated the PPP, which has fiercely defended it as one of its most important legislative accomplishments. The PPP continues to maintain that this is just another covert attempt to overturn the law and revoke provincial autonomy, despite the PML-N having since “clarified” that it does not intend to abolish the 18th Amendment but rather to see it implemented in its original spirit, which, it claims, entails a further devolution of power to the local government level.The PPP’s unwavering support for the 18th Amendment has greatly benefited Pakistani democracy and other parties, even though the PTI and PML-N may not realize this at the moment. However, political conversations and debates about potential future grassroots devolution of democratic power should be encouraged rather than suppressed. Rather than just dismissing all opposition parties as part of a “conspiracy,” the PPP needs to demonstrate its willingness to listen to and discuss their concerns.Since an empowered citizenry is the foundation of democracy, any proposal aimed at boosting public involvement in governmental decision-making ought to be supported. Take the initiative in conversations and guide them in a direction that is agreeable to everyone as a means of exerting more influence over the 18th Amendment debate. The fate of the amendment must ultimately be decided by parliament. Getting this done by consensus and discussion would be far preferable to ramming changes through the legislature without fully considering their long-term effects.