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LAHORE: It was an enlightening experience as member of Council of National Affairs (CNA) to participate recently in separate interactive sessions with PML-Ns Mian Nawaz Sharif and PTIs Imran Khan. The CNA is a Lahore-based forum comprising media, academicians and retired army officers which debates national and international issues.
Seated in a conference room behind high security walls, steel gates and cameras of the sprawling Raiwind empire, Mian Sahib appeared furious over lack of accountability in the country. The PPP governments mega corruption scams and collapse of state-owned enterprises that incurred almost Rs300 billion annual losses bothered him the most. He was reminded that PML-N was equally blameworthy for creating this dismal situation due to prolonged impasse in finalising the draft of the proposed Independent Accountability Commission Bill that has remained in limbo since Feb 2009.
Both the PPP and PML-N have failed to strike consensus on issues like appointment of the chairman of Accountability Commission (whether serving or retired Supreme Court judge) as well as international cooperation on return of looted assets transferred abroad. While the PPP managed friendly prosecution acquittals in almost all the NRO cases (barring Zardaris), the Sharifs corruption cases lie dormant with NAB that is rendered toothless and dysfunctional by design. So are Nawaz and Zardari hand in glove on this matter?
Why does Nawaz Sharif continue to live in the past? His oft-repeated obsession with Musharrafs Kargil adventure, how it sabotaged his peace initiative with India and the 4th July 1999 air dash to Washington DC for summit with Bill Clinton figured again in this session. Surprisingly this time he made no mention of the Kargil Commission that he so fervently desires. He did not repeat his dall mein kuch to kala hai style remark he had made during the DG ISIs briefing in the APC. Instead he backed the ISIs position of not being behind the Kabul attacks.
Has the PML-N chief softened his tone towards the security establishment? Perhaps he has been well advised to give up this hard line stance, mend fences with the army/ISI and forge a comfortable working relationship with these institutions that harbour no ill will against him in the post-Musharraf democratic environment. Mian Sahib even offered an olive branch to the security establishment to help find a way out in any crisis situation provided he was taken on board with the truth.
Why has Nawaz Sharif suddenly risen from slumber to launch an anti-Zardari, anti-government agitation? He sounded bitter about the repeated betrayals and breach of trust by Zardari who as per Mian Sahib had stabbed him in the back. Declaring that the PPP government was incorrigible and corrupt beyond reform, he appeared determined to move ahead to oust the government and force a change for the sake of Pakistan.
Mian Sahib vehemently denied the allegations of his partys friendly opposition role. But does the public or the media really buy this? Is the PML-N now desperate to avert the peoples wrath and wash away the sins of this friendly opposition? Since the PML-N lacks the requisite numbers to force an in house change, is the party mobilising peoples power to force early elections? If the ultimate aim were to deny PPP the prized Senate majority in coming March, is PML-N gearing to pull the rug under Zardari through en masse resignations in national/provincial assemblies sometimes in January/February next year.
In our interaction with Imran Khan the next day, he talked of his vision for a democratic and progressive Pakistan with Mahatir Muhammad as his role model who transformed Malaysia through a clean and honest leadership. As per Imran Khan, if Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital could be a model of meritocracy, accountability and good governance, Pakistan, too, could be brought out of darkness with a sincere, committed and selfless leadership.
While both Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan, yet they have failed to reach out to the estranged Baloch leaders. Though both enjoy credibility and respect among the Baloch, yet Imran Khan could more effectively engage the Baloch leaders by virtue of his lead role in the APC heralding national reconciliation and for giving peace a chance. (Note: IK has already asked the Baluch leaders to conduct talks...he has reputation all over Pakistan, but no mandate yet )
Would Imran Khan join Nawaz Sharifs Go Zardari Go bandwagon? Imran Khan appears unwilling to compromise with Nawaz Sharif and Zardari whom he dubs as collaborators and who have billions in assets stashed abroad. He believes that PML-N was now paying the price of being a friendly opposition. Imran still has bitter memories of APDM with Nawaz Sharif.
But what happened to PTIs much awaited Mulk Bachao Hakumat Hatao tehrik? Imran Khan believes that PTIs grand strategy would determine the time to go in for the kill. When asked if Pakistanis would have to bear with the current failed PPP setup of crooks, convicts and cronies till early 2013, he was quick to predict their departure before March 2011.
With his claims of social networking and massive youth following, can Imran Khan create a major upset with his solo flight? He believes he can, provided the army and judiciary ensure that next elections are free and fair.
From the Sharif brothers fortified Raiwind estate to Imran Khans humble and open Zaman Park residence there exists a visible divergence in vision and thoughts. While Raiwind symbolises the power of wealth and grandeur, Zaman Park portrays the strength of commitment and simplicity.
While Mian Sahib appears eager to come out of isolation, Imran Khan beams with confidence of a rising star determined to change the countrys destiny through the power of youth, passion and energy. The time seems to clearly favour a young and dynamic Imran Khan-led side that has yet to score its first major political victory at the ballot box. However, given their differences an alliance between Raiwind and Zaman Park is a long shot.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A frank talk with Nawaz Sharif, Imran Khan
Brig (R) Farooq Hameed Khan
fhkhan54@gmail.com
Seated in a conference room behind high security walls, steel gates and cameras of the sprawling Raiwind empire, Mian Sahib appeared furious over lack of accountability in the country. The PPP governments mega corruption scams and collapse of state-owned enterprises that incurred almost Rs300 billion annual losses bothered him the most. He was reminded that PML-N was equally blameworthy for creating this dismal situation due to prolonged impasse in finalising the draft of the proposed Independent Accountability Commission Bill that has remained in limbo since Feb 2009.
Both the PPP and PML-N have failed to strike consensus on issues like appointment of the chairman of Accountability Commission (whether serving or retired Supreme Court judge) as well as international cooperation on return of looted assets transferred abroad. While the PPP managed friendly prosecution acquittals in almost all the NRO cases (barring Zardaris), the Sharifs corruption cases lie dormant with NAB that is rendered toothless and dysfunctional by design. So are Nawaz and Zardari hand in glove on this matter?
Why does Nawaz Sharif continue to live in the past? His oft-repeated obsession with Musharrafs Kargil adventure, how it sabotaged his peace initiative with India and the 4th July 1999 air dash to Washington DC for summit with Bill Clinton figured again in this session. Surprisingly this time he made no mention of the Kargil Commission that he so fervently desires. He did not repeat his dall mein kuch to kala hai style remark he had made during the DG ISIs briefing in the APC. Instead he backed the ISIs position of not being behind the Kabul attacks.
Has the PML-N chief softened his tone towards the security establishment? Perhaps he has been well advised to give up this hard line stance, mend fences with the army/ISI and forge a comfortable working relationship with these institutions that harbour no ill will against him in the post-Musharraf democratic environment. Mian Sahib even offered an olive branch to the security establishment to help find a way out in any crisis situation provided he was taken on board with the truth.
Why has Nawaz Sharif suddenly risen from slumber to launch an anti-Zardari, anti-government agitation? He sounded bitter about the repeated betrayals and breach of trust by Zardari who as per Mian Sahib had stabbed him in the back. Declaring that the PPP government was incorrigible and corrupt beyond reform, he appeared determined to move ahead to oust the government and force a change for the sake of Pakistan.
Mian Sahib vehemently denied the allegations of his partys friendly opposition role. But does the public or the media really buy this? Is the PML-N now desperate to avert the peoples wrath and wash away the sins of this friendly opposition? Since the PML-N lacks the requisite numbers to force an in house change, is the party mobilising peoples power to force early elections? If the ultimate aim were to deny PPP the prized Senate majority in coming March, is PML-N gearing to pull the rug under Zardari through en masse resignations in national/provincial assemblies sometimes in January/February next year.
In our interaction with Imran Khan the next day, he talked of his vision for a democratic and progressive Pakistan with Mahatir Muhammad as his role model who transformed Malaysia through a clean and honest leadership. As per Imran Khan, if Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital could be a model of meritocracy, accountability and good governance, Pakistan, too, could be brought out of darkness with a sincere, committed and selfless leadership.
While both Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan, yet they have failed to reach out to the estranged Baloch leaders. Though both enjoy credibility and respect among the Baloch, yet Imran Khan could more effectively engage the Baloch leaders by virtue of his lead role in the APC heralding national reconciliation and for giving peace a chance. (Note: IK has already asked the Baluch leaders to conduct talks...he has reputation all over Pakistan, but no mandate yet )
Would Imran Khan join Nawaz Sharifs Go Zardari Go bandwagon? Imran Khan appears unwilling to compromise with Nawaz Sharif and Zardari whom he dubs as collaborators and who have billions in assets stashed abroad. He believes that PML-N was now paying the price of being a friendly opposition. Imran still has bitter memories of APDM with Nawaz Sharif.
But what happened to PTIs much awaited Mulk Bachao Hakumat Hatao tehrik? Imran Khan believes that PTIs grand strategy would determine the time to go in for the kill. When asked if Pakistanis would have to bear with the current failed PPP setup of crooks, convicts and cronies till early 2013, he was quick to predict their departure before March 2011.
With his claims of social networking and massive youth following, can Imran Khan create a major upset with his solo flight? He believes he can, provided the army and judiciary ensure that next elections are free and fair.
From the Sharif brothers fortified Raiwind estate to Imran Khans humble and open Zaman Park residence there exists a visible divergence in vision and thoughts. While Raiwind symbolises the power of wealth and grandeur, Zaman Park portrays the strength of commitment and simplicity.
While Mian Sahib appears eager to come out of isolation, Imran Khan beams with confidence of a rising star determined to change the countrys destiny through the power of youth, passion and energy. The time seems to clearly favour a young and dynamic Imran Khan-led side that has yet to score its first major political victory at the ballot box. However, given their differences an alliance between Raiwind and Zaman Park is a long shot.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A frank talk with Nawaz Sharif, Imran Khan
Brig (R) Farooq Hameed Khan
fhkhan54@gmail.com
