Islamabad-Mudassar Iqbal;-Khawaja Asif has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of seeking a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) in a heated exchange during a National Assembly session on Monday. Minister Asif claimed that PTI leaders are pressuring for relief from the establishment, with party member Raoof Hasan purportedly urging for an NRO.
Asif took a jibe at PTI for allegedly seeking concessions and lamented the party’s refusal to engage in dialogue with political adversaries. He posed a question regarding whether other political figures such as Mehmood Achakzai would negotiate with the military, implying that PTI’s demands are misplaced.
The Defense Minister further stated that any discussions regarding the May 9 events—a reference to the violent clashes that took place—would be contingent upon a full accounting of the incident. He sharply rebuked PTI members who, according to him, have repeatedly invoked past military support, noting that key military figures such as General Bajwa and Faiz Hameed are no longer in their positions.
Addressing PTI’s approach to negotiation, Asif suggested that if the party is serious about dialogue, they should engage directly, otherwise they should resort to alternative measures. His remarks were met with sharp criticism from PTI’s Asad Qaiser, who labelled Asif’s statements as disgraceful, given his senior age.
PTI Seeks End to Deadlock with Establishment, Hopes for Resolution: Hasan
PTI’s Response
PTI’s Asad Qaiser responded to Asif’s allegations, stating that the party is not seeking an NRO but rather wants accountability for the May 9 events. Qaiser accused Asif of trying to divert attention from the government’s failures and alleged that the Defense Minister is trying to protect those responsible for the violence.
Background
The National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) was a controversial law passed in 2007, granting amnesty to politicians and bureaucrats accused of corruption and other crimes. The law was widely criticized for being a tool to protect the powerful and was eventually declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2009.
Implications
The allegations of PTI seeking an NRO have significant implications for the party’s reputation and credibility. If true, it would suggest that the party is willing to compromise on its principles and values in exchange for political expediency.
The exchange between Asif and Qaiser also highlights the deepening political divide in the country, with both sides engaging in a war of words and accusations. The situation raises concerns about the ability of political parties to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground.
Conclusion
The allegations of PTI seeking an NRO have added a new dimension to the political landscape of Pakistan. While the party has denied the allegations, the government’s accusations have raised questions about PTI’s intentions and credibility. As the political situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the country’s politics and the prospects for dialogue and reconciliation.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.