A Thousand Cuts

For many months now, the politics of Pakistan has been in the state of a roller coaster ride, with the same level of excitement and, of course, fear. The year 2018 saw Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf forming the government at the federal level, and also in the most populous Punjab province, though with the help of a powerful establishment and resourceful politicians like Jahangir Tareen. Surprisingly, the coalition governments included the MQM-P and Pervaiz Elahi against whom Imran Khan had been most vocal in the past. That meant for Imran Khan, grabbing power was the prime objective, to attain which, he did not mind resorting to expediency and sacrificing his principles, if any.

By the time IK had completed just over three and a half years at the Centre, he had lost the support of many of his close associates, as well as the Establishment, which had helped bring him to power. He also unduly criticized the judiciary.

Then, terribly disappointed over the lack of progress in the implementation of PTI’s Karachi package, the MQM-P’s switching sides finished his government at the Centre. And despite being the largest single party in the National Assembly, PTI resigned en masse from it. By the way, MQM-P’s agreement with the Pakistan Peoples Party, which Shahbaz Sharif had signed as a guarantor, also failed to produce results. As such, MQM-P’s grievances remained unaddressed, while the suffering of Karachiites multiplied, with a dummy continuing as the City Administrator.

The events in Punjab proved even more dramatic. PTI’s exit from the Punjab Assembly was organized through a Zardari-brokered deal based on defection of PTI members. Even though dissenting members’ votes were not counted, they reduced PTI’s majority, thereby enabling the PML-N to form its government there. However, it proved short-lived because during by-elections held on vacated seats, PTI managed to win 15 seats, thereby gaining overall majority in Punjab, the province which hosts more than half of the total Pakistan’s population and acts as a kingmaker and breaker because of its substantial presence, both in civilian and military establishments.

For a change, Imran Khan did not bring back his Waseem Akram Plus as the head but selected Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi as the Chief Minister even though he belongs to PML-Q. This unexpected reversal of fortunes does not say much for the so-called Shahbaz speed or efficiency, or even about the PML-N which, apart from being the sitting government, had ruled Punjab off and on for decades. This has even finished off the myth of Maryam’s oratory and popularity.

The main reason for PTI’s comeback in Punjab was that the gullible Imran-fans had taken his claim about ‘American conspiracy to oust him’ as gospel, thus taking his popularity sky-high while the PML-N’s top leadership stood accused, even sentenced for corruption.

It was thought that with his popularity at its peak after winning back Punjab, he will order dissolution of assemblies under PTI control, thereby forcing the government to hold general elections. Strangely, Imran Khan seems to be in no hurry to leave assemblies this time and perhaps wants to establish some sort of performance record.

In the meantime, there have been many negative developments at local and international levels which could upset Imran Khan’s calculations. The ECP has finally announced its verdict regarding the PTI prohibited/foreign funding case and it does not sound too good, putting it mildly. There are reports originating within and outside the country about funds raised for building hospitals and university diverted and used for political purposes. There is also a report of substantial funding by a foreign government official. Moreover, undisclosed accounts were found, with some maintained in the name of party officials. In the coming days and weeks, these could create serious problems for the PTI and its leadership.

There is also the Toshakhana case which casts aspersions on the person believed by his followers to be infallible. We have also seen reports of substantial recoveries made by the National Crime Agency of the UK which the agency wanted to return to Pakistan. However, through a sleight of hand on our side, the amount allegedly ended up benefiting the culprits and bringing windfalls to some influential persons in Pakistan.

However, IK’s die-hard supporters remain glued to him, and dismiss even genuine criticism and credible evidence of wrongdoing emerging within Pakistan or abroad, putting it all down to local and foreign conspiracies against Imran Khan. However, we have to remember that death is not always caused by a single fatal blow but, at times, it comes from a thousand cuts. So Imran Khan does not seem invulnerable.

Moreover, the Shahbaz government did take the unpopular but vital decisions regarding the economy – which PTI had failed to take – as a result of which, things seem to be improving. The PKR is appreciating, the stock market is improving, and hopefully, inflationary pressure would be reduced gradually. However, just imagine that while demanding austerity from the impoverished masses, Shahbaz Sharif has allegedly formed a 61-member cabinet, with the candidates outstripping the available portfolios, with the result that 14 persons have no portfolios, yet they will receive hefty salaries and all associated perquisites.

Unfortunately, the top leadership of nearly all major political parties is far from inspiring. While the personal wealth, especially of the Sharifs and Zardaris keeps rising, the suffering of the country and the nation keep multiplying. In these circumstances, even a fresh general election is not the answer as it would bring back to power the familiar faces which have reduced the country’s status to that of a beggar. So, this dead wood at the top has got to be chopped off on the basis of plentiful evidence available. The only way forward is to pursue the accountability process vigorously, weed out the corrupt-to-the-core politicians while offering plea-bargains to the corrigible ones among them.

Also, with the population of Pakistan having increased at least six-fold, the old system can’t cope with the magnitude of governance issues. I think, the creation of South Punjab and Bahawalpur provinces, for which major political parties had taken initiatives, must be created without undue delay. Population-planning also needs serious attention.

The terrible condition of Karachi, despite, or rather because of the Peoples Party’s unbroken rule for fourteen years, and non-implementation of even the latest agreement signed with the MQM-P, shows that the only solution is to make Karachi a separate province. The other pressing issue is a proper count of Karachi population under a fresh population census, as promised by PTI. An accurate census is likely to show Karachi population to be nearly twice of what was shown in the last census. Future general elections must be held on the basis of fresh delimitation of constituencies done according to the latest population figures for Karachi, which will also give the city its due share in the Parliament and provincial revenue.

However, this solution will not emerge from jaw-jaw sessions within the Parliament. A package has to be first developed by competent, knowledgeable and experienced persons/institutions of integrity, with active help from the armed forces and the superior judiciary and then implemented through the Parliament, and under the watchful eyes of the armed forces and the superior judiciary.

The battle for the Punjab between the rival politicians has been raging for some time, moving from the ridiculous to the sublime. This struggle is heralding the destruction of all that was once robust in this progressive province. In many ways it is at a standstill holding its breath, waiting for the next political blow.

The most populous part of the nation stands divided and beleaguered. It is being pulled apart in all directions. The institutions, the bureaucracy, the police, the media, the legal fraternity and society in general are all victims of this division. The system has become so highly politicized that it has hit rock bottom and is ready to implode. The insecure bureaucracy and police are shattered and nobody worth his salt is willing to work in some of the most prized positions in the civil service except for opportunists. The institutions are reluctant to take action or are confused. And the public does not know where to go. Who is going to solve their problem? Will all the promises made to them by the powers that be ever be fulfilled? Will their lives ever change? Where is governance, law and order, security of life and property, justice? Does anyone even care? No, they are too busy playing musical chairs and only take action on matters required by political expediency. Can you expect any positive outcome in such a chaotic situation? Is this the future of Punjab that its politicians have planned for it or is it a deliberate effort to destroy it?