SOME signs of cracks are appearing in the PML-N ranks. Their tone has mellowed. The opulence of the Sharif family will be the undoing of their empire. The Sharifs have brought the country to ruins and economic demise. All the claims of economic development have proved false. Different mafias rule the country under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and his associates. They are hanging on to power by a thread.

Owing to the immense pressure of political parties and civil society the prime minister has been forced to announce the terms of reference (TORs), and the Supreme Court can initiate accountability of his family. This is what the public pressure does to rulers. The people have to come out on the streets to throw these corrupt rulers from power.

Mockery of democratic freedom and thought must be stopped. Mr Sharif should step aside and let the legal process take course. The only way to come out of this crisis is to surrender unconditionally.

A gag order should be issued by Chief Justice Z.A. Jamali to all concerned. The media should also stop spreading sensational news.

Javaid Bashir

United States

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2016