LAHORE, Aug 30: Awami Qiadat Party chief Gen Aslam Beg (retired) sees a president-parliament clash after the elections.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, he said there would be a clash between a powerful president, who would have power of amendments and judiciary and army on his side, and parliament trying to be sovereign.
There would be no arbitrator between the two. This clash, if go unchecked, could harm the country and democracy. “If the US sides with the unelected forces, as it has always done, it will end up hurting the US interests in this part of the world.”
For this reason alone, the US must try to find a mid path and choose the next prime minister as its partner, the former chief of army staff said.
“The future of dictators is getting bleak worldover and Pakistan may not prove to be an exception. The US must cultivate elected prime ministers, instead of army dictators, if it wants relations with Pakistan build on a permanent basis.”
Gen Beg also predicted another constitutional crisis afflicting the post-election scenario. The Supreme Court did not clarify whether the Provisional Constitutional Order would continue after the elections or the constitution would be restored. Gen Pervez Musharraf could again go to the Supreme Court to clarify this point.
Gen Beg said that the forthcoming elections post-polls scenario would be a test for the PPP and the PML-N. “Both parties have their vote bank intact and will form majority in the next parliament, if elections are held fair and free. They must play their cards very carefully so that no harm is done to the interests of the country and democracy.”
The former COAS said apparently, the country was going through a political mayhem. “There is good omen in this seemingly bad situation; voters now have a clear choice between forces of pro and against reforms.
“On the one hand, there are people who are supporting the present set up along with its future plans. Though it is a big group and enjoy the support of government, but it may end up having desirable majority in the parliament.
“On the other hand, there are forces who oppose these reforms and are fighting for a sovereign parliament. This clear choice presents positive sign of the present political confusion,” he said.
This has also helped political leadership mature along democratic lines. “The PML-N and the PPP are in a process of making adjustments on seats which is a healthy sign, so is MMA.” Gen Beg said that his party would join hands with these parties and contribute its share in stabilizing future political set-up.
The AQP, he said, expected to become a parliamentary party during this elections. Around 69 of its candidates — 12 for national assembly and 57 for four provincial assemblies — were contesting the forthcoming elections.
More candidatures were being processed and the list can swell by Sept 12, he claimed.