The Cost of Azaadi

By Saman Tariq
ZoneAsia-Pk

There is a famous saying that everything comes with a price; the recent political crisis has already cost Pakistan more than could be bargained for.  Expanded over almost 10 days, the deadlock between two major political forces PTI and PML (N) still continues without any foreseeable resolution.  Where PTI is adamant on their demands, PML (N) has also made it clear that resignation of the PM and midterm elections are out of question.

Amid calls for resignation of the PM and speculations concerning a military coup; political uncertainty is looming over country’s economy. The economic brunt of this political crisis is evident by reports of a 222 points fall in Karachi stock market. In addition to that, traders have also shown concern over the prolonged sit-ins in the Capital and their likelihood to paralyze trade and business activities.  A Business Recorder report highlights the losses of Rs. 30 billion in local trade and businesses over 12 days following the political turmoil. Where PML (N) has claimed a loss of around Rs. 500 billion to the national economy due to these ongoing protests, other projects such as establishing ten coal fired power plants have also been stalled due to disinterest of the investors for the time being.

On international front, with an ongoing military operation in North Waziristan following terrorism allegations by Afghanistan, it is indeed a crucial time for Pakistan. The diplomatic efforts over the past few months and subsequent progress with another neighboring country India have also been halted after India canceled talks with Pakistan, accusing it of meddling in internal affairs of the former. Under these circumstances, when any international support for Pakistan is of high significance, particularly a SAARC member, Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapaksa had to cancel his trip in the wake of current political situation of Pakistan.  Keeping in mind the current international standing of Pakistan, the harsh criticism of the U.S. Ambassador by Imran Khan for meddling into internal affairs of Pakistan is unlikely to have positive repercussions in the long term for Pak-US relations.

This confrontational politics is not free of cost even for the two major parties involved in this crisis. From the decision to carry on the with the march even after announcement of formation of an independent Judicial Commission to probe rigging allegations to their refusal to compromise on any of the six demands put forth , resignation of the PM being the top priority, PTI is on the point of no return .  The pressure of the crowd present at the sit-in to take concentrate actions for ousting of the PM is an added disadvantage as these supporters are also not willing to settle for anything less now, after days of sit-in. The sit-in might be gaining moment; depending on how one perceives it, however people have started raising questions over PTI’s perplexed rhetoric (http://www.zoneasia-pk.com/perplexed-rhetoric-pti/). Their abandonment of KPK is being cashed upon by other political forces in the province, with displaced families and floods taking a toll over other issues.

The government, on the other hand, is at the brink of losing credibility over allegations put forth by PTI, due to their reluctance towards the initial demand of PTI to probe into four allegedly rigged constituencies. The decision to probe into the matter through formation of an independent Judicial Commission is perhaps seen by many as a step too little too late. PML (N) with the baggage of 14 PAT workers killed by police in Lahore is being openly criticized for their dictatorial tactics. Out of other pressing issues, the pressure over federal government to facilitate displaced families is also worth mentioning.  The elders of North Waziristan Agency have shown discontent over the shelter provided in KPK, threatening to stage a protest outside the parliament if they are forced to vacate school buildings.

In the end, both parties are being blamed for negligence particularly in their respective provinces and needless to say, gaining from the loss of both PTI and PML (N), parties such as PPP, MQM and JI have emerged as rational mediating forces in current political crisis.

Another considerable downside of this turmoil has been the plausible space created for the military to exercise their influence, following the political deadlock. Perhaps both parties are relying on the army to exert pressure on the other political force to back down in their favor. Even as the ISPR issued statements over seeking a political solution by the parties involved, there were reports of an agreement between the PM and the military over a shared political space. If history is anything to go by, in civil-military relations, superseding of institutions by any single entity is unlikely to go in favor of the system.

While the talks between PTI and PML (N) have resumed after a standstill, the clash of egos between the two parties needs to discontinue in greater interest of the country. In sincere efforts to end this deadlock, a compromise should be agreed upon between the two, where legitimate demands such as resignation of CM Punjab, electoral reforms, probe over rigging and accountability if proved guilty should be accepted by the government; in return, PTI should withdraw the demand of PM’s resignation and let the due process take its course.  After all, it is high time that some amount of normalcy returns in the country.