IT was business as usual and a symphony of the deaf. The opposition shouted and raised a ruckus during the budget speech without awaiting their turn to offer alternative proposals. Meanwhile, members of the treasury benches acted as a phalanx ready to repel members of the opposition if they tried to interfere in the proceedings. It seems democracy is a tool to further partisan the agenda and not a means to further the nation’s interests.

The leader of the party that promotes a Naya Pakistan has attended only two sessions of parliament, while the leader of the ruling party, now disqualified for life, has attended six sessions. Both parties who look down upon each other preferred to fight their battles in court, and not in parliament, showing their disdain for the august house.

Historically, our politicians have been contemptuous of democracy. Veteran Roedad Khan says, in his book: Pakistan: A Dream Gone Sour (p.87) “Zia believed that the PPP was a threat not only to himself but also to Pakistan. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s opponents, so-called democrats, a large number of sycophants and flatterers, told Zia what he liked to hear.”

Asghar Khan in We Have Learnt Nothing From History states that ZAB thought the Pakistani people were fools, who should be ruled with a bludgeon. He also states that Zia wanted to hold elections on time, but most of the Pakistan National Alliance leaders (unsure of winning) persuaded him not to do so.

The Islamabad High Court in its recent judgment disqualifying PML-N leader Khwaja Asif, cautioned politicians not to wash their dirty linen in courtrooms.

What will the opposition do now? Go to court to get the budget quashed? Have mercy on this hapless nation. You have the most to lose after the people, and their patience is nearly at end as the shadows are beginning to lengthen.

Malik Amjad

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2018