When relations between countries deteriorate, it is not unusual for governments to express their reservations to a foreign ambassador about his government’s policies, even warn that relations could worsen if these policies remain unchanged. To accuse the opposition whose task is to criticise the government, even try to remove it through constitutional means when it fails to heed genuine criticism, of working on foreign agenda is sheer paranoia. The authenticity of the letter brandished by PM at the Islamabad rally has been challenged with a claim that words that were not part of the original diplomatic communication were added in it. It is also claimed that there was no mention in the NSC proceedings of any conspiracy being hatched or the opposition’s involvement in it as claimed by the PM. Without listening to the opposition, the Deputy Speaker dismissed the no-trust move followed by the PM’s advice to the President to dissolve the NA which was promptly accepted.
Imran Khan has created a multi-faceted political, constitutional and economic crisis in the country just to remain in power. Instead of playing to the last ball, he has violated the basic rules of the game dealing a blow to the country’s constitutional system. The PM has dragged the US into Pakistan’s domestic political turmoil and called out the EU countries. He has thus wantonly alienated countries which are Pakistan’s biggest export destinations causing hazards for the economy. International financial services have reacted strongly to the development, pointing out that the ongoing political turmoil had already caused Pakistani currency to sink, questioned the government’s ability to continue to implement the reforms it agreed to with the IMF. Investors are concerned that the political struggle would distract the authorities from focusing on the yawning current-account deficit. Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 index shed 1,250.07 points on Monday as the country faces an uncertain political situation.
The case is with the SC for the last two days. Despite the court’s directive on Sunday regarding all orders and actions initiated by PM and President subject to court’s order, the PTI has nominated CJ (retd) Gulzar caretaker PM in response to the President’s move. Meanwhile the crucial issue is to undo the unconstitutional steps taken by government on Sunday before anything else.
