Nawaz, a Clear First-Round Winner
By Salahuddin Haider
Karachi, Pakistan
In the crisis stemming from the long marches of Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been a clear first-round winner so far. A dispassionate analysis, based on background interviews and persistent reviews of the month-long Islamabad sit-ins, would reveal three principal reasons for the prime minister's success.
First and foremost was his characteristic calm and cool disposition. Secondly, the army's latest clarification about its neutrality and assurance to fellow countrymen of being a staunch supporter of Constitution and democracy. And the last, but equally strong reason was the parliament’s unanimous decision to stand resolutely behind the prime minister.
All these developments may have brought a smile on his face and added to his confidence, but the crisis is far from over. The threat perception about the government functioning, particularly at a time of devastating floods, is not only genuine, but ominous, in many respects. To say that Sharif has been out of the woods, would be a misstatement. He is still entrapped in thick woods.
A relief, both for PAT and PTI and for the administration as well, has been the judicial magistrate’s decision to order the release on bail of former federal minister and PTI front ranker Azam Swati as well as musician D J. Butt. Their release was indeed a welcome sign for those who were sanguine that the situation would improve.
The arrest of singer-musician D J Butt from the PTI “dharna” was not only absurd, it was ill-advised and totally devoid of sane logic. D J’s services have been utilized by PPP, and PML(N) itself, and many other organizations as well to attract crowds and provide them with quality entertainment at times of gloom and boredom.
The judicial magistrate, ordering Azam Swati to judicial remand on a closed holiday, created panic in the ranks of the administration. But wisdom prevailed and saved the government from being accused of ruthlessness.
That Nawaz summoned parliamentary leaders for consultations ought to be welcomed because the collective will of elected representatives would lend him added strength. All those sitting in parliament, despite having different affiliations, have given the beleaguered prime minister their wholehearted backing, which was entirely a new phenomenon in Pakistan politics, and perhaps also forced those engaged in conspiracies, to go on the back foot.
However, those leading the “dharna” and their supporters displaying unprecedented courage and determination, need not be taken lightly. Confrontation or use of force needs to be avoided. The arrest campaign, on for the last three days, must not only be halted but those arrested without rhyme or reason, need to be freed without delay.
Such a decision would add to the premier’ image, who is confronted with two of the gravest crises of his political career -- the sit-ins and the flood disaster. So far he has displayed wisdom and insight, and ought to continue the policy of humility and avoid confrontation at all cost.
Nawaz has merely won a battle so far, but the war is still on, and demands farsightedness and a cool and calculated approach on his part. Any hasty decision would place him in an awkward situation, like the one in which Imran Khan found himself earlier, with his hasty declaration of a civil disobedience movement and call for a direct attack on the parliament. The Tehrik-i-Insaf chief had to pay heavily for his follies. Nawaz needs to learn a lesson from his rival’s mistakes.
To rebuild the economy, ruined by month-long protests and disastrous floods, will now be a herculean task. How will he avoid relying on taxes to prepare the next budget and survive the likely discontent from fresh taxes, would be his real test now. (The writer is a former Information Minister of Sindh and a senior journalist)
