IT is telling of the vitiated state of Pakistan’s present-day politics that even outlining a bare minimum ‘code of conduct’ for our politicians, along the lines of what has been proposed by PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, seems like a monumental challenge. To wit, the proposed code of conduct is meant to ensure that the political parties “do not cross the line while confronting each other”. The PPP plans to invite the PTI to join its discussion, even though an earlier effort to mend fences through a multiparty conference on Pakistan’s outstanding issues fell flat on its face. The idea is undoubtedly a good one, but it is doomed to fail in an environment where the government and opposition have no trust in each other and view every step taken by the other with deep suspicion. Though former prime minister Imran Khan had personally declined to attend the MPC, the PTI was still open to sending a delegation of other leaders with a little mollification. Instead, the government left it embarrassed after it ended up cancelling the event without offering any reason. In that context, it is unsurprising that the opposition party is already distrustful of this latest overture from another government party.

As Mr Bhutto-Zardari outlined his initiative, he noted: “If every party decides it will neither play nor allow others to play, the nation will be the ultimate loser.” This is hardly a revelation. However, our two recent governments — the incumbent, of which Mr Bhutto-Zardari is a part, and the preceding, led by the PTI — have demonstrated this reprehensible tendency with equal zeal. The PTI used to be widely criticised for abusing its powers and persecuting opponents through sham cases. The PDM government has proven no better. It has chosen the same despicable path of using the state machinery to browbeat political opponents. It has also shown a willingness to disregard the law in its desperation to cling to power, much like the PTI did towards its demise. If the country is to move forward from their mess, this will only begin with an acknowledgement that the way power has been exercised is fundamentally wrong. As the parties in power, the PDM and PPP have a greater responsibility in this regard. Will they rise to the occasion? Despite being considered the ‘mature’ parties, they have disappointed quite thoroughly thus far.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2023