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The prime minister's decision is of course 100 per cent correct, notwithstanding that in private moments the historical role of the armed forces and the judiciary in undermining the democratic process in the country can, and does, rightly come in for some rather serious criticism. Yet, to dwell on the role of other players and institutions isn't the point here, no matter how relevant to the explanation for all that ails Pakistan. Instead, it is the increasingly tiresome attitude of some in the political class, especially those in and near the orbit of civilian political power in Islamabad at the moment, that needs to come in for some scrutiny.
Consider this. If certain institutions have in the past repeatedly thwarted the strengthening of democracy in the country, going forward they cannot be expected to simply pack up and leave or withdraw from the scene altogether. If democracy is ever to be strengthened in Pakistan, the civilian politicians will need to raise their game to demonstrate that they are indeed capable of responsibly running the state's affairs. Only that will increase the space for civilian rule, and, conversely, reduce the space for undemocratic forces to operate in the country. True, the present government, parliament and assemblies have taken some very important political steps, and by doing so demonstrated an unexpected political maturity the 18th Amendment, the NFC award, the Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan packages, etc.
However, it is the governance side that has proved to be disappointing, to say the least. From the handling of the economy to the delivery of basic health and education services to the management of public-sector enterprises to legislative reform, the present government has undeniably had space to act, but, equally undeniably, has bungled each of those opportunities to turn a crisis into something positive. If pressed, analysts and observers of the present government would struggle to identify even a single ministry in a record size cabinet that deserves even a passing grade on its performance so far, even by the relatively low standards of past governments.
When politicians like the now fired Mr Jatoi lash out at other institutions, it does come across as a desperate attempt to cover up the shortcomings of his government. If corruption in other institutions is equally rampant, as Mr Jatoi claimed, then why has the government failed to introduce an effective, across-the-board anti-corruption law? It really is true, you cannot fool all the people all the time.
