AGITATIONAL politics is detrimental to nation-building at anytime and anywhere. But resorting to such actions at a time when the country is at war, considered by many to be a war for survival for Pakistan, leaves much to be desired from the PTI, a party which has fared well in the recent elections.

August 14 is a day of celebrations as our Independence Day, not a day of confrontation. There can be only one Independence Day. For that reason no one can agree with the concept of ‘real independence day’ reportedly pronounced by Imran Khan in the UK.

A plan to topple a constitutionally-elected government can only be deplored. This course of action is against all established laws and norms of responsible political behaviour. The fact that cases are pending in courts and litigation is expensive does not give a right to someone to start street agitation to achieve a purpose outside the constitution and the law. This is also against all guidelines and teachings of the Quaid.

Finally, at this time when Pakistan’s economy is turning around for the better, investor confidence is growing, foreign exchange reserves are at a respectable level and relationships are being restored with other countries, this agitational politics is a cause for concern, for it will hurt our solidarity and efforts to achieve political and economic independence.

All parties, particularly the PTI, must resolve to find an expeditious way out of this dangerous situation. towards which the county is moving. There is a time and place for everything. The PTI must bide its time to form government at the the centre after winning the next elections whenever they are held. Until then, all parties should subject political activities to their mandate from the people, follow legal procedures and remain within the constitutional ambit.

Liaquat Merchant
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2014