Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed unhappiness over former president and PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari’s recent statement in which he accused the federal government of targeting leaders of his party in the name of anti-corruption campaign.Sharing his feelings of utter dejection with leaders of the PML-N’s Sindh chapter at a meeting here on Tuesday, the prime minister said he was unable to understand what prompted the former president to give such a scathing statement against him and his government, sources privy to the meeting told Dawn. Apparently in reaction to recent arrests of PPP leaders, Mr Zardari had on Aug 31 accused Prime Minister Sharif of “repeating the politics of the 1990s”. He even blamed the PML-N for “dividing” the nation in an attempt “to save their natural allies Taliban and terrorists” and to “weaken” the war against terror. The PM cannot absolve himself of the responsibility for the present confrontation with the PPP. His statement shows that either he is trying to fool the nation or himself. When all these organisations are working under the federal government, how can the PM express his ignorance about the registration of cases against PPP leaders and their arrests? The PM’s statement is just ridiculous. It is very unfortunate that instead of convincing the political forces to stand together in defence of democracy, he is consciously or unconsciously contributing to the possible collapse of the system. It seems that the PML-N has forgotten why it had signed the Charter of Democracy. At that time, it was decided that both the PML-N and PPP will work within democratic confines and the third power will not be allowed to derail the system. Despite passing through bitter experiences, the PML-N has not learnt any lesson and is repeating the past follies. It is the tragedy of our country that our politicians dig a pit for themselves and later fall into it. Despite remaining in a state of denial, the facts will not be altered. By making such statements, the government is only damaging its own credibility and exposing its weaknesses. The PML-N government should have complete control over federal law enforcing agencies and hold them accountable if they are found involved in any violation of the law of the land or acting beyond their remit. So far, the PPP leadership has shown some maturity. PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that his party will neither tender resignations from the Assemblies nor will let the democratic system be destabilised, which is a sensible approach. It is high time the government came up with some strategy to reverse its perceived loss of control and authority. The government needs to prove that it is in charge of state institutions and they are working under its orders within the ambit of the law. The PM needs to show his strength by practically taking all matters in his own hands. It is an undeniable fact that the minimum condition for development is the existence of a strong democratic political system.
pk.shafaqna.com
