With the unveiling of the judicial commission report, on Thursday, one question dominated discussions: how were its findings going to impact Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI)? Now that the party’s sweeping allegations of widespread rigging in the 2013 elections have been dismissed by the commission, will the PTI’s popularity suffer a knock from which it will not recover? This is what Thursday evening’s discussions seemed to imply. Many opposition politicians and commentators lashed out at the PTI for making unverified allegations; there were endless requests for Imran Khan to apologise to the nation for making allegations without proof and for wasting people’s time by holding a sit-in.Undoubtedly, many observers agree that the JC’s response to the three Terms of References (ToRs) in the conclusion of the report has served a severe blow to the popularity of the PTI chairman, who relentlessly clamored that the last general elections were rigged and then failed to provide any proof.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is widely being hailed by all patriotic circles and those who want political stability and economic development in the country; as he categorically declared to forget the past and move ahead with determination in the spirit of national reconciliation and mutual accommodation. However, it is unfortunate that some of the party leaders are apparently not listening to the reported advice of their chief not to indulge in provocative statements as they are advancing the idea of accepting the pending resignations of PTI legislators. MQM too is talking about knocking the door of the Supreme Court for disqualification of Imran Khan on the basis of charges he levelled during sit-in, which have now been proved as totally false and unfounded. But we would suggest that the Government as well as leadership of other parties should listen to the advice of Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah, who has emphasized the need for moving forward and focusing on bringing the electoral reforms through Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms. The Government should particularly pay heed to his counselling not to be arrogant in the wake of the report and instead create an atmosphere for promotion of national harmony and solidarity. It is appreciable that PTI too has not rejected the findings of the Commission but this should not be construed as a victory by the Government but a sign of reconciliation. The Commission has also pointed out that PTI was not totally unjustified in demanding formation of the Commission to probe allegations of rigging as flaws are there in the system. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Prime Minister to reign in his colleagues known for their provocative mindset and instead exhort them to demonstrate maturity and wisdom.
pk.shafaqna.com
PTI in doldrums after Judicial commission report
