Clouds of uncertainty
By RAUF NIZAMANI August 29, 2008 Uncertainty in the country is affecting every sector and section of the society. Of course, the most obvious are the economic and political aspects which are being observed in the daily life and being highlighted by the media time and again. However, what is ignored or given less attention in this respect is the psychological, mental and emotional condition of the common people caught in this situation. As is being depicted by the media and statements of political leaders the situation is not normal and the country is passing through the worst crisis, not only economic and political but of its very survival. Apart from this people also think that the options to govern the country are not only limited but are slipping away like sand in the hand.
A decade or two ago in the case of a political crisis the military takeover was seen as an acceptable option. Now the situation has changed and the people instead of seeing it as option take it as a problem which is evident from the celebrations by the people at Musharraf's departure which is unprecedented in the history of the country. The people through their vote had again given the chance to the political parties, which in the past have not been given the due time and space to deliver.
Although many factors are responsible for this uncertain situation, the main issue is of governance. Due to this all other issues whether they relate to economy or political decision-making like the restoration of the judges, situation on the borders etc have not been handled properly.
After Musharraf's departure it seemed that the situation would improve and everybody heaved a sigh of relief in the hope that now the country would be on the right track. This was evident from the enhanced confidence of the stock market on the very first day. But the clouds of uncertainty again engulfed this short-lived celebration as the major political parties are once again at the loggerheads, especially on the issue of the restoration of judges.
Previously, it was said that after the impeachment or resignation of the president the deposed judges would be restored immediately. It was supposed that this impeachment process would take about a month or more and it was certain that this process would increase the uncertainty in the country. But fortunately it was resolved within a fortnight. The political leaders have in more than one accord had not only made their position clear about the restoration of judiciary but they have not denied at any point of time that they will not restore it. In fact this is the position between acceptance and denial which is creating confusion and uncertainty. The people cannot make out that what these leaders want, what they are going to do and where they would stand in the future.
This situation has left the people only speculating and doing nothing. They are urging the leaders to take some position and let the nation know what would be the future course of the country. As time passes and no conclusion seemed to be in sight the people would certainly lose faith in the political parties and the leaders to whom they have given their mandate. It is for sure that the people of Pakistan will not wait and this has been made clear to them through different means.
This decision of the restoration of the deposed judges was delayed due to the impeachment process but now the PPP led government has no excuse. In fact, this is the question of the credibility of the parties in the coalition (with PML-N out) which would decide their political future. The longer the condition of indecision remains, the more they will lose their credibility and therefore the people would suffer.
E-mail: raufnizamani@hotmail.com