Pakistan needs consistency of governance
The top court and government will have to arrive at a solution which benefits the nation
Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and the judges of the Supreme Court acquitted themselves well during their highly publicised meeting on Thursday. With both sides stating their views firmly, within the context of the legal interpretations, as they saw it, the prime minister got the benefit of buying valuable time, till February 1.
The several legal and political challenges that this government faces cannot be emphasised enough. With the threat of early elections looming, it is fighting tooth and nail to become the first civilian government to complete a full term.
Pakistan needs this consistency of governance. The people of Pakistan are entitled to democracy, and what it has to offer. It is the only possible solution for stability where the will of the people is paramount in the face of internal unrest and economic breakdown. Pakistan cannot afford to go through further political fractures — it will only be playing into the hands of those divisive forces that seek to tear apart the social, political and economic fabric of this country.
The fact that the Supreme Court and Gilani met each other and respected each other's point of view is laudable.
The immunity of the President Asif Ali Zardari is a contentious issue, but in acknowledging the dignity of the law and the distinction of the Supreme Court, Gilani sought for, and received the green light from the judges to adjourn proceedings till another date.
While the courts are exercising the interpretation of the law as they see it so too is Gilani — working within the framework of the constitution of Pakistan which he, as prime minister, has sworn to uphold.
The adjournment will give Gilani time to recoup, but ultimately both parties will have to arrive at a solution which, more than anything else, must be appropriate for and beneficial to Pakistan.
