The protest in Islamabad's Red Zone is expected to continue since the joint session of Parliament has failed to address or sort out the grievances of the protestors and has advised the Prime Minister exactly as per the Army Chief's advice against using force. This goes to show that so-called 'umpire' is not subservient to the government of the day but there is a parallel force in the country. It appears that PPP has played its cards well. If PML(N) wants them to play the role of a 'friendly opposition' as a payback for the role played by PML(N) from 2008 to 2013 then PPP and its allies could also be the 'B' team for the Rawalpindi boys. Remember Nawaz Sharif played an important role when he rushed to the Supreme Court to highlight what was termed the 'Memogate'. He stoutly backed the then DG ISI, Ahmad Shuja Pasha, who had on his own decided to grill the author of notorious memo. It was purportedly written by the then Ambassador, Hussain Haqqani, to Mansur Ejaz in London. 'What you sow - so shall you reap' is a phrase that is most appropriate to describe what is happening.
Former President Asif Zardari of PPP has checkmated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif once again. A weak and an ineffective government cannot lead the nation towards a bright destiny. Our politicians fail to realise that Army cannot and will not allow the economy to remain adrift for long. Sooner than later it will have to intervene. And, we fear that if the present situation persists for long; people who have voted for democracy will be forced to cry for a change if their lives continue to be adversely affected. Pakistan's foremost need is higher growth (6 percent plus) with a view to creating jobs. Economic uplift requires political stability which is not available at present. It is not a happy situation for the country. A deepening fiscal hole and shaky public finances will slide the country into irrelevance. The 'Jirga' of opposition parties has placed a set of proposals on the table. Both sides need to take them seriously and create conditions for them to work. Unfortunately, this has not happened so far. Pakistan's standing would be diminished in every international forum: Why should anyone negotiate with a government whose writ is now in question? It would be difficult to improve relations with our neighbours. Pakistan's status as a nuclear power would be questioned by doubters abroad. PML(N) needs to go to the people quickly, after undertaking electoral reforms, agreed by all and get a fresh mandate. This will only enhance its standing. Pakistan belongs to all. Political parties have followers in all the federating units. They dilute ethnic, religious and provincial fissures, which unfortunately a Punjab-dominated Army cannot. The idea floated by PPP Senators Farhatullah Babar and Raza Rabbani to form a Parliamentary Committee to talk to the Army with a view to addressing their concerns is a suggestion worth pursuing.
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