30th Oct, 2022. 09:05 am

Political stalemate

All the hopes of a negotiated settlement of the country’s political impasse have faded away – at least for now. The mood on each side of the political divide is grim and ominous. Pakistan Army has formally and officially expressed its displeasure over the current state of affairs through a high-profile press conference on October 27. The presser was attended not just by the DG Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR) Lt Gen Babar Iftikhar, but for the first time ever in the country’s history by a sitting Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum.

The duo, while giving their take on the murder of one of Pakistan’s most prominent current affairs programme host and journalist Arshad Sharif, also spoke about former prime minister Imran Khan’s combative tone in which he has been trying to what his critics say undermine the military leadership. The message that has come from the Pakistan Army’s presser must have given a sigh of relief to the Shehbaz Sharif government, and raised a red-flag for Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf who are out on the roads demanding early elections.

The military leadership has categorically expressed its reservations and objections against what it called the smear campaign run by Imran Khan against its top brass. The message has come at a crucial time when Imran Khan has unfurled the banner of his much-awaited and propagated long-march from Lahore to Islamabad. But will Imran Khan manage to bring a vast sea of humanity to Islamabad as per his plan on November 4? The stakes can never be higher for Imran Khan who now stands as the lone force challenging the combined might of the military establishment and the alliance of the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement.

This has indeed given confidence to the struggling Shehbaz Sharif government, which otherwise has failed to impress the people by its performance on any of the key fronts, including economy. However, the PDM leaders are now speaking against Imran Khan with greater confidence, perhaps realising that their back is safe. Once upon a time Imran Khan and his party had enjoyed this privileged position.

This aggressive posturing by all the key stakeholders remains a bad omen for Pakistan, which desperately needs stability and lowering of political temperatures. But in this current toxic environment, achieving this goal is easier said than done.

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With all the sides refusing to budge from their stated positions and failing to find a common middle ground, the times ahead could be tougher for Pakistan.

Earlier, there were hopes that the military leadership and PTI would be able to bridge their differences in backchannel meetings and come up with a roadmap for the future on which the PDM too is able to agree. However, after the October 27th press conference, these hopes have faded away.

Now confrontation between the key political stakeholders is imminent. However, there is still a small window to make last ditch efforts for a negotiated settlement.

The leadership on both sides of the divide must realise that whether Imran Khan manages to reach Islamabad with tens of thousands of supporters or the government manages to disperse them using state machinery, both these outcomes would scar Pakistani politics for the years to come. Even if Imran Khan’s protest fizzles out for now, it would not anyway mean that the Shehbaz Sharif government – with its baggage of past corruption and the controversial ascent to power — would be seen as a legitimate elected force. If it carries the baton of power till August-September 2023, it would mean a prolonged and continuous political instability which widen fissures between rulers and the ruled and the institutions and the people.

The decision-makers must understand the mood of the moment, especially in urban, educated and professional Pakistan. Many of the hardworking Pakistanis, who want to see the rule of law in their country, are frustrated with the conventional political forces, which are known for corrupt practices, and anti-people policies. The elite capture and dysfunctional civilian institutions are widening the divide in Pakistan. This needs to be sorted out. In the 21st century, Pakistan cannot be left hostage in the hands of the decadent feudal-cum-business class, which have failed their voters every time they were given a chance.

The best way forward for Pakistan even in the current situation is a firm announcement of an early election date. Anything short of it would keep the cauldron of Pakistani politics simmering.

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