Another Showdown in Pakistan

Instability looms large in Pakistan as the Supreme Court in an allegedly influenced ruling declared the former Prime Minister and head of the PML-N, Nawaz Sharif, and his brother, Punjab’s Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, ineligible for elected office.

As riots broke out all over Punjab following the announcement of the verdict, the Karachi stock exchange dropped by 294 points.

This verdict is being seen as a confrontation between President Asif Zardari and the PML-N with the final blow being delivered by imposing President’s rule in Punjab, the country’s largest province and its power centre. Sharif’s party says the court’s decision had been anticipated thanks to the former prime minister’s unwavering stance on the restoration of judges issue. The Sharif brothers also claim that they are being taught a lesson by the governing PPP for refusing to accept an alleged deal offering them relief in the eligibility case in exchange for not backing the judges’ restoration movement.

The government is said to be apprehensive about an independent judiciary raking up the controversial National Reconciliation Ordinance and corruption cases in Swiss courts. The government has refuted Sharif’s allegations of a deal proffered by Zardari and is insisting that the decision of the court is independent of any influence by the Presidency.

No wonder the PML-N has gained immense public standing because of its stand on the restoration of the ousted judiciary and the revoking 
of the NRO. Interestingly, while singling out President Zardari for criticism, Sharif has refrained from attacking PPP. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who had met Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif two days before these developments in reconciliatory moves, has reportedly expressed regrets over the court decision in a telephone call to the former chief minister. Meanwhile, there’s been talk of a widening rift between Zardari and Gilani. In addition to the apparent differences over the Sharifs, other issues suggest a dichotomy in decision-making at the highest level.

The most significant outcome of this decision will be the popular response to the ruling as Sharif’s party joins the lawyers who have already given a call for an all-out agitation and long march to Islamabad for the reinstatement of ousted judges. No matter how much the government may deny its role in the decision barring the Sharif brothers from contesting elections or holding public office, the popular perception of the current judicial setup is that it is not constitutional and susceptible to government coercion and dictates.

Both sides set for a dangerous collision that could derail the painstakingly built political and democratic process plunging the country once again into another dangerous crisis. The country cannot afford this instability considering the precarious security situation along its borders. It is unfortunate that some elements in the ruling dispensation could not look beyond their own agenda to protect national interests. A stable and secure Pakistan is vital for peace and stability of the entire region. Pakistan’s interest — and that of the world — lies in protecting the country’s democratic process and institutions. Democracy and the rule of law are not possible without a truly independent and incorruptible judiciary.