Stalled Negotiations By Farhat Siddiqui

After PTI put all their detailed demands on paper asking for a response from PML-N it became clear rather immediately that PML-N was only agreeing to general reforms and committees without a bite. They are asking for an impossible burden of proof of a conspiracy rather than establishment of rigging through solid proofs and establishing a conspiracy through substantial circumstantial evidence which is the accepted norm all around the world on such matters. Journalists and analysts have had the papers with written negotiating points in their hands for weeks. They know the huge gap which exists between the positions of the two parties. They know that the resignation of the PM was made the sixth point early in the negotiations at the request and valid arguments of the Governor of Punjab. Still the talking points of some journalists and spokespersons of the government continue to consist of statements like.. 5 ½ points have been agreed upon and the negotiations stalled at resignation. They are still living in the world where just spinning got you to your target.

Implementation of 62 and 63, magnetic ink, special ballot paper printed under the supervision of the army, Nadra data base, finger printing, NIC number, photo identification, UNDP system, supervision of the army on election day and so on.. All these were going to ensure a free and transparent elections. Any breach was going to be caught in days but what actually happened is history.

We have a classic and unique Pakistani problem here. Military and civilian governments have worked nonstop to systematically downgrade and ultimately destroy all regulatory institutions of Pakistan. Everyone including the leaders and public are left with dependence on their gut feel about the moral character of personalities rather than institutions.

It suits the status quo to go through the charade of working towards the reforms and stop right before any institution has the authority to pass a binding judgment. That is exactly the point where the negotiations have stalled. Imran is not willing to fall in the same hole again. He will not sign on any dotted line until and unless he can ensure that the investigation and accountability is air tight, fool proof and wiggle proof.

Case in point the Election commission report. Despite of an incriminating account of massive irregularities there seems to be no step forward in resolving the issue. This is akin to a funhouse mirror. Where is the end and who ends it?

by webmaster@insaf.pk (tkiadmin)