Shujaat Unfolds Mind
By the Editor

AMID a lot of stories, engulfing the political horizons in Pakistan, the PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has dispelled speculations about Chaudhrys’ meetings with Mian Shahbaz Sharif in London last week—with the zestful words that his trip abroad has been wrongly interpreted.

Speaking to newsmen in Islamabad, he said that; Shahbaz Sharif and Asif Zardari are not competent enough to negotiate a deal with the Government on their own. ‘Hence there is no point in holding meetings with either of the two’, he remarked.

Reports of interaction between the ruling faction of the PML and PML [N] leaders for political reconciliation in the country have persisted in the past few weeks.

There is—in fact—an inclination of eschewing bitterness on both sides, which is, of-course, a positive approach in the supreme national interests.

Prima facie, it appears that President Gen Pervez Musharraf is interested in developing a two party system in Pakistan on the pattern of the US and UK—for the sake of nation’s political stability.

He is, therefore, seemingly in a mood of a grand reconciliation in politics—to ensure that the process of democracy initiated by him—should succeed for sustained socio-economic development for eventual greater good of the masses.

The PML chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has also revealed his mind about the political reconciliation in the country—overtly in a candid and forthright mode and manner.

On account of his political vision and experience in the arena of egalitarianism—he is opposed and rightly so—for haphazard reconciliation with splinter political groups.

As is evident from his Saturday’s Press talk, he is in favor of interaction with Mian Nawaz Sharif and Ms Benazir Bhutto rather than with Shahbaz Sharif and Asif Zardari.

There is wisdom in his stance in view of the not-so-happy experience of the country’s identified political history.

Alliances and coalitions ought to be forged in the context of wider perspective—rather than short-sighted visions stemming from narrow selfish motives.

It’s observed that major component of such alliances and coalitions always remain hostage to the vested interests of the splinter groups—eventually to the detriment of political and democratic process.

With this perception, Chaudhry Shujaat’s approach will certainly help nurture the two or three-party system for the country for political stability and sustained democratic process.

It’s, therefore, important that the ruling PML should try—with utmost sincerity—for reconciliation with the mainstream political leadership rather than the second rung of politicians and leaders.

It’s always better to tread a straight path even if it’s longer—rather than opting for short but rickety way.● 

 —  Mumtaz Hamid Rao
www.MumtazRao.net