ISLAMABAD: The opposition senators on Monday found fault with both the government and planners of the Aug 14 long march by holding them responsible for the political standoff in the country.

Taking part in a debate on the situation on a private members’ day in the Senate, the opposition members asked the government not to block the long march and criticised PTI chief Imran Khan and PAT chairman Dr Tahirul Qadri for “irresponsible” statements and unclear agenda.

After introduction of two private members’ bills by PPP’s Farhatullah Babar, the house deferred all the agenda items to enable members to take part in the debate on the prevailing situation.

The government also faced severe criticism for its decision to use the army in Islamabad.

Government faces severe criticism for its decision to use the army in Islamabad

Opposition Leader Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan regretted that the rulers had not learnt any lesson from history and the past long marches. He justified the PTI’s call for a protest over alleged rigging in last year’s general elections, saying that the PTI opted for a long march after getting no response from election tribunals, and even the Supreme Court, over its rigging complaints.

He was of the view that Mr Khan and Dr Qadri could make a claim of bringing one million people out on the street if they managed to gather even 200,000 people in Islamabad. “But I don’t think they will be able to do so,” he said.

Mr Ahsan flayed the government for placing containers everywhere in Islamabad, arguing that these could easily be removed by a mob. He asked the government to deploy troops for the safety of diplomats and withdraw police from all other places.

The senator termed the statements and tones of both Mr Khan and Dr Qadri “improper”. He also condemned Dr Qadri for inciting people to violence and preparing a stick-wielding force. He wondered what would happen if 300 of them attacked a police post manned by 30 constables.

Third Force

Without elaborating, he feared that a “third force” could take advantage of the situation. Then, in an allusion to the military establishment, Aitzaz Ahsan said: “It seems the referee does not want to get involved (in the present situation).”

Asking the government to show flexibility, he said: “To complete the journey, you may have to sacrifice the (NA) seats of some friends.”

Babar Ghouri of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was of the view that the government’s apparent move to block the long march could cause violence in the country. Asking both the sides to show restraint, he said the sanctity of Independence Day should be maintained.

Haji Adeel of the ANP said his party was opposed to the government’s move to dragging the army into politics by invoking Article 245. “If you stop marches of political parties, then army and police will hold march in the country,” the ANP senator warned.

He suggested to the PML-N that it allow Mr Khan to stage a sit-in in Islamabad and in return, it could do the same in PTI-ruled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Mushahidullah Khan of the ruling PML-N said both Mr Khan and Mr Qadri were insulting the people’s mandate by holding a long march against the elected government. He claimed that last year’s general elections were more transparent than all previous elections.

The PML-N senator said Imran Khan had parliamentary force whereas Dr Qadri only wanted to create disturbance and violence in the country.

The PPP’s Farhatullah Babar advised rulers to withdraw the notification regarding invoking of Article 245.

The PPP’s parliamentary leader, Raza Rabbani, also termed the government’s decision of invoking Article 245 “unjustified”.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2014