PML-N LEADER Ishaq Dar’s desire to take oath as senator virtually or at the Pakistan High Commission is a classic example of wanting to have one’s cake and eat it too. The former finance minister has written a letter to chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani expressing his willingness to do so as he is based in the UK due to illness and medical check-ups. His victory notification was restored by the ECP last month, therefore, he is due to take oath. But Mr Dar has made it clear that he will not be coming to Pakistan for this purpose and has referred to Article 255 (2) of the Constitution which, he believes, would allow him to take oath remotely. Indeed, the article says that in “impracticable” circumstances, an oath “that is required to be made before a specified person” can be taken before someone “who is nominated by that person”. But surely, this allowance is the logical step for those who are not able to take the required oath at a given time for genuinely practical reasons. Should it apply to those who have shown little inclination to be actively involved in Senate proceedings, but would still like to enjoy the privilege of being a member of the Upper House?

Mr Dar’s attitude is reflective of what has become the new normal for his party: remote and convenient political participation and party governance. The tone has been set by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, who is running the party from London where he is based on health grounds. This trend is utterly undesirable and makes a mockery of democratic principles. Can voters really hold politicians accountable if they are thousands of miles away? For Mr Dar to expect that he will remain senator without participating in debates and legislative business is absurd. Being senator should not be treated as a token role. Mr Dar should return to the country, take oath and face his legal battles if he is serious about having a future in governance.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2022