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Source: UNKNOWN
Dr Tahirul-Qadri’s ‘Long March’ January 14-17, 2013 crumbled the government functioning and unnerved the ruling clique of Pakistan People’s Party. The charter of demands produced by the religious Cleric were deemed as impossible for the government to implement and after deliberations collectively with other political parties it was decided to engage Dr Qadri into a dialogue and find a way to save the embarrassment the government was faced with. A meeting was organised and the list of demands deliberated and “verbally” accepted by the delegation led by ruling government representatives to implement sometime in the future. The PPP government finished its five year term of government but the agreement signed never saw daylight. Pakistan People’s Party, all agree, played a master political stroke and saved it a precarious situation. PPP’s co-chairperson enigmatic Asif Zardari is on record having said that the agreement content were not divinely sanctioned or ordained.
In came Nawaz Sharif’s Muslim League to rule (2013) through elections which major political parties in the existing parliament and people of Pakistan think were grossly misrepresented and rigged. The bad governance, large scale corruption, nepotistic family rule worsened as the country infested with terrorism, economic and political instability and widespread meticulously planned sectarian violence assumed dangerous proportions. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s political track record shows that he has never been comfortable with Pakistan’s army and generally takes cudgels creating a very uncomfortable relationship leading to political insecurity. The political observers believe that Nawaz Sharif’s attitude is the outcome of a sense of insecurity but many believe that there is more to it than meets the eye.
Imran Khan, a bigger irritant caused ripples in Nawaz Sharif rank & file, by asking for his resignation (non-negotiable) from the seat of power. Unlike Dr Tahuril Qadri, Imran Khan’s PTI (Pakistan Tahreek Insaf) party elected to the parliament claiming a huge vote bank is the main cause of worry for Nawaz Sharif not in a position to ignore the political threat posed by very popular emerged political leader. Imran Khan and Dr Qadri’s vice-versa support have both occupied areas around parliament, Supreme Court through a sit in attended by supporters running in tens of thousands. The crowd seemingly well organised, managed successfully, brought government machinery to a standstill forcing a status quo till the demanded resignation of Premier Nawaz Sharif.
Nawaz Sharif undoubtedly believes in a conspiracy hatched by army and the country’s intelligence agency ISI to dislodge him from power using Imran Khan & Dr Qadri’s street power as both have amply demonstrated strong crowd pulling capabilities. Little over three weeks elapse the resilience braving all weather conditions shown by the people supporting their leaders is unprecedented.
Zardari-Sharif nexus is trying hard to save their version of democracy as both, as believed by cross section of Pakistani society, committed loot through corruption invested massive proceeds in the capitals of western countries. The two political parties PMLN & PPP used parliament majority to amend constitution to suit their personal requirements to give them absolute power to manage affairs of the country as per their wish and whim.
Asif Ali Zardari somehow managed to carry on running the government stipulated for five years but Nawaz Sharif displaying inefficiency and surrounded by a caucus of corrupt and unpopular group of political novices made it too difficult for him to run affairs smoothly. Sharif brothers looked for a window of reprieve, started making Pakistan army a scapegoat which turned out to be a serious miscalculation. A sinister campaign against army & the intelligence wing backfired and army due to its performance fighting terrorism and political uncertainty created by Sharif government raised its popularity graph to new heights. Desperate Nawaz Sharif, to the nations disliking, sought help from India and other players on international level to bail him out from the political quagmire.
The multitudes of agitating crowds refuse to leave till the demands are met. Nawaz Sharif’s government initially banked on the crowd succumbing to fatigue and boredom every now and then resorts to harsh methods using brute police force to break them but it does not seem to work and on the contrary more and more people seem to join them. People courageously facing all weather conditions for last four weeks are adamant and committed to force prime minister Nawaz Sharif to hand in his resignation. Observers believe that under the prevailing circumstances Nawaz Sharif frequently provokes army to takeover so that the political farrago country presently faces transfers to army’s shoulders and later conveniently claim political martyrdom as well.
Army for the last sixty five years since country’s independence gained experience in political manoeuvring and dexterity. It understands that now country in unison supports it full well and its popularity rising to new heights chooses to stay away from any interference. Secondly, it will not offer corrupt politicians an exit strategy at a time when people as whole are scornful and contemptuous towards the political mafia and insist on their accountability. Lastly, army realises that the country is faced with external formidable enemies backed and assisted by embedded fifth column internally.
