FROM A RINGSIDE SEAT

The distrust between the two major political parties, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has deepened in recent days and those with a least doubt must watch the proceedings of the parliament. Moreover, there are clear indications that the gulf between the two factions of Pakistan Muslim League, PML-N and PML-Q is squeezing.
All this happened on Monday in the National Assembly, which started the session 50 minutes late to take up the question hour before switching over to the ongoing debate on Kerry-Lugar bill for the third day, however, the deadly and mind boggling incident of attack on GHQ by terrorists dominated the proceedings.
The members wanted to speak on points of order on GHQ tragedy and also of Shangla suicide blast immediately after the recitation from the Holy Quran but later on reached a consensus with the treasury to speak on points of order after question hour. The Senate, however, continued debate on Kerry-Lugar bill after offering Fateh for the martyred of the GHQ but the tragedy has shocked everybody and so looked the Opposition leader, clearly upset as to how the House resume the routine business after such a big incident, without government taking the Parliament into confidence.
Nisar was right that safest place in Pakistan is no longer safe although the whole country has been turned into red zone and more surprising according to him was that the lips were sealed on divulging details as to how the terrorist manage this attack. The opposition leader wanted answers to all the questions in the Parliament and also criticised government for stifling the voice of media, a reminder of dictator's era.
The day also coincided with October 12, 1999 when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was overthrown by the military dictator Musharraf on a case never proven. While PML-N continued its demand of Musharraf trial under article 6 as PML-N leaders recent meeting with army high ups further sowed the seed of distrust with the ruling party. This gap between the two was evident from the speech of Minister for Information, which obviously was nothing more than a rebuttal to the points raised by opposition leader. The Minister started from Swat operation but said least about the GHQ and restricted himself to explaining that terrorists attiring military dress and driving a vehicle with military stickers have been intercepted at the first check post. Kaira promised investigation and action against those found guilty after the probe.
Now, he moved on to October, 12 and after describing the day worst in Pakistan's history, wondered as to why the Punjab government did not move against Musharraf when he was living Rawalpindi and also visited Lahore before leaving for abroad. This was the counter attack by Minister to the opposition leader, clearly indicating that both the parties are gradually returning to the old politics of allegations.
This trust deficit have deepened between the two over Kerry-Lugar bill and PML-N leaders meeting with the army, many believe, but this is also the fact that two factions of Pakistan Muslim League are moving closer and this was taking place faster in recent days. Riaz Pirzada went two steps ahead of the opposition leader by demanding sacking of foreign Minister and Pakistan ambassador to the US for not protecting Pakistan's interests but forgot totally how Musharraf had compromised national sovereignty with his party's support during the last eight years.
Pirzada's support to the opposition leader was a meaningful gesture for many and a clear indication that two parties are getting close enough but to remember how Musharraf failed in protecting the ideological borders of the county he must have witnessed the proceedings of the Senate. Senator from Balochistan have been more vocal against elite leadership and military whom they considered responsible for all the problems of Pakistan. Their bitterness is understandable and no one could deny their questioning supreme and sovereign Parliament. How can you imagine that this Parliament is sovereign on the face of Musharraf's claim that US, UK and Saudi Arabia are his guarantors?
Beyond any doubt the GHQ incident was a clear message from the terrorists that they could go to any extend to destabilise Pakistan and beyond doubt warrants unity among political parties to back army in the ongoing operation against them. This becomes more important as put by Ayaz Amir of PML-N that Pakistan after 1948 was fighting a purposeful war. The House, he said was discussing this tragic incident with heavy hearts and prays for those who have scarified for the nation but this must strengthen our resolve against the menace sowed by a military dictator some 30 years back.
A decision took by a dictator in 1979 distorted Pakistani society and we should expect more such incidents as the country is in a state of war. There are no two opinions that weeding out terrorists should be the top priority of the government to put the country back on track and to bring peace and normalcy.