In a panel discussion on TV the other day, Saad Rafiq the young ML(N) firebrand, suddenly sprang an intriguing observation. His subsequent elaboration of the observation was even more intriguing. The panel had made a point about the continued absence from the national scene, of the two most important political players - Zardari and Nawaz Sharif.
At this point, Saad suddenly chimed in with the remark that there were at least three other personages who could play an equally vital role in lifting the country out of the present morass. He went on to identify to the startled panellists, the three worthies as President Musharraf, "deposed" CJP Chaudhry Mohammad Iftikhar and "PCO CJP" Abdul Hameed Dogar. Now that was a shocker from a ML(N) stalwart!
Speaking in a newly softened tone about President Musharraf, Saad said, he (Musharraf) could greatly help the situation by abdicating. The obvious, though unspoken, implication was that all would be forgotten and forgiven in that case. Now if this can be taken to reflect a new ML(N) position on this matter, this would amount to a major departure from Nawaz League's known and much publicised position which saw no alternative to President Musharraf's departure in disgrace through impeachment and strong punitive follow up action.
Saad Rafiq then turned his attention to the "deposed" CJP, who, he said, could help by assuring PPP that he would let bygones be bygones (including the NRO, one might add) and that he would not be after their blood (or words to that effect). This would presumably have the effect of watering down PPP's (actually Asif Zardari's) opposition to the "deposed" CJP's reinstatement.
In other words, the redoubtable Chaudhry is being told in effect: enough is enough, please climb down from your high perch, be reasonable and realistic, show a little pragmatism and let the nation get on with it. It remains to be seen if, in response, Chaudhry Iftikhar would take kindly to the implied suggestion that he compromise by committing to what he would or would not do (for example in respect of NRO, the President's legitimacy, the cases of the missing persons and the like) if he is restored to his former position. By making the suggestion Saad Rafiq appears to be ready to ignore the strong possibility that once a slide from a principled position starts there is no saying where it would stop, if at all!
Saad Rafiq's reference to PCO CJP Abdul Hameed Dogar was even more interesting. He started out by praising the CJP for being a well-wisher of Pakistan (or words to that effect) and that he could help the nation in this time of crises by vacating his position in favour of the "deposed" CJP. This suggestion ignores the possibility that the PCO CJP may have reached one or more alleged understandings with the establishment on his way to the CJP position. Can he now go back on those?
I wonder why Mr Rafiq has chosen to ignore yet another (the fourth) entity - Big Brother America - capable also of greatly influencing events in Pakistan. Would he also like to appeal to President Bush to kindly take his hands off his long time ally and allow it to move forward on its own in a direction that suits its destiny as a free, independent nation?
It remains to be seen if there will be a follow up (in the shape of some down-to-earth horse trading by the Nawaz League and others concerned) on the balloons floated aloft by Saad Rafiq or the balloons would merely go "pop".(yawajid@yahoo.com).