Situation leading to political reconciliation

SINDHI PRESS Octber 2007

Situation leading to political reconciliation
Three days before the presidential elections, two major developments were witnessed, which would affect the political scenario as well as future course of politics in the country. The first one is a move to promulgate an ordinance granting a blanket amnesty to all politicians and government functionaries who held office between 1988 and 1999 and who were accused in court of corruption but not convicted. Apparently this amnesty is an attempt by the government for ‘national reconciliation’ but Nawaz Sharif would not be among the beneficiaries. Another development is nomination of General Kiani as new army chief, which indicates that Gen Musharraf will step down as the army chief following his election as president.
…. Although we have parliamentary system but practically it was presidential, and now for this office elections are being held. The opposition was showing its cards step by step and the opposition including friendly opposition has gave a tough time to the government, which was complemented by the internal as well as external situation. Hence rulers were compelled to set a reconciliatory mood, and they decided to withdraw the cases against opposition leaders, politicians and former bureaucrats.
….. The very basis of registration of corruption mainly had been political victimization and to keep them away from launching political movement against the rulers. We see even after 10 years these cases have not been proved in the courts. These cases provided an opportunity to every new ruler to claim himself honest and label his predecessors as corrupt.
Withdrawal of cases against the politician will pave way to a reconciliatory atmosphere in the country. Though it has been done on the eve of presidential elections while accepting the demands of opposition, this could have been done much earlier. If this had been done so, this could have avoided confrontation which the country witnessed in recent past. However, now there should be an end to the political confrontation.
- Kawish, October 4