Finally, the knives are out

Is resolution off the table for Islamabad?

DESPITE the tension on the eastern borders and a spurt in terrorist activities an obstinate Imran Khan is unwilling to call off the sit-in. Talking about the derailment of democracy as a possible outcome of the ongoing conflict, Khan insists that Nawaz Sharif would be responsible in case a ‘third force’ was to wrap up the system. Going back on his earlier claims that India’s aggressive behavior was designed to take pressure off Nawaz Sharif, the PTI chief now claims that India was in fact trying to derail PTI’s ‘reform movement’. Had the PML-N been less obstinate, the issue would have been resolved months back through talks with other opposition parties who do not support the ouster of the government. The PML-N leadership however preferred to delay things till the eleventh hour. Both sides are now looking for allies to strengthen their position. Unless good sense prevails, the fighting between the government and the PTI is likely to be long and nasty.

Various options came under discussion when PMLN leaders finally decided to seek PPP’s support on Wednesday. The PPP made it clear that it would not side with either of the two adversaries and would in fact hold both PML-N and PTI responsible if the system was derailed. One way suggested by Khursheed Shah was for the Prime Minister to appoint someone else in his place. Another option pointed out by Aitzaz Ahsan was to accept the four demands put forward by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari early this month. These include appointment of a permanent Foreign Minister, reconstitution of the parliamentary committee on national security, implementation of the resolution regarding CPEC and passing the Panama Bill proposed by the PPP in National Assembly.

Of the four proposals the most crucial is the passing of the Panama Bill. Imran Khan has vowed to continue the sit-in till Nawaz Sharif either tenders resignation or offers himself for accountability. Agreeing to the Panama Bill proposal could provide both Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif a way out. But are they interested in one?