BRINGING a few thousand supporters to Islamabad and then asking for the resignation of a democratically-elected prime minister is unconstitutional and against all norms of justice and fairplay. Mr Khan’s main reason for the protest against rigging in the last elections is quite belated and totally unsubstantiated. Dr Qadri’s demand for wrapping up the whole system is even more outlandish and sinister.

The recently-issued statement by the ISPR that meaningful negotiations should be held between the government and the protesters was surprising, as the ISPR forgot to mention that the talks should be held only within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law. Asking for the scalp of an elected PM before the talks actually begin can surely be not termed democratic.

It is edifying that all political parties in parliament have stood with the PM in this crisis, and advised him not to resign in the face of any political blackmail. The PM must stand firm and not give in to such politics of extortion.

Akbar Jan Marwat

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2014