M. Waqas goes too far while analyzing the current situation in Pakistan, in his article, “Why is Sharif getting jittery?” (Aug. 3)
While Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif may be invoking Article 245 to take army’s help to restore order in view of impending rallies by the opposition political parties on Aug. 14, or what Sharif described as “to pre-empt any possible blowback of Operation Zarb-e-Azb,” the article descrbes the situation as one that is dragging army into politics.
The analysis is understandable too, as Pakistan has a poor record of getting deeper into crises whenever army begins hobnobbing with politics, but the situation is different this time. There is no Pervez Musharraf or Ziaul Haq today to play a greater anti-democratic role in the country, thus harboring any political ambition.
The fact is that Sharif is firmly settled as the prime minister — a man who has had bitter experience of losing power at the hands of Gen. Musharraf — he will definitely not repeat the mistakes of 1998.
That said, Sharif, who is arguably the most experienced politician in current time, is doing no commendable job despite receiving a heavy mandate to rule the country.
As an upholder of democracy, Sharif should have had no qualms in the recount and verification of votes in the four constituencies that Imran Khan, the leader of the main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, alleges have been forged during the election.
Seriously, Pakistan cannot afford another bout of political crisis that is unfortunately brewing again due to several other issues. If any such things happen, Sharif will be solely held responsible for this.
He is however doing an excellent job by conducting a grand military operation against militants and therefore it becomes all the more important for him not to undertake any ill-advised action where he will have to call in army to tackle opposition protests, for whatever pretexts.
The country that takes pride in immense resources at its disposal backed by huge young population looks at the current leadership to deliver against all odds. Will Sharif come up to their expectations? — Dr. Aleem Khan, Jeddah
Will Sharif rise to the occasion?
