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EDITORIAL: Imran Khan has finally announced that his much-hyped “Haqiqi Azadi March’ (real freedom march) against the government that he describes as “imported government” is scheduled to begin today in the federal capital.

Addressing a press conference in Peshawar flanked by senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, he invited his party workers as well as people from all walks of life to come join him on the Kashmir Highway where “I will meet you at 3:00pm.”

The march, he said, will continue till the acceptance of his two main demands: dissolution of the National Assembly, and announcement of a date for free and fair elections, and that “no matter how long we have to remain in Islamabad we will remain there.” Seemingly confident about the prospects of his objective, he asserted, “if the Army is neutral, then it should remain neutral.”

Although he emphasised the march will be peaceful, he said he had told his team members that “we have to be ready to sacrifice our lives.” On the other end, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has warned of dire consequence also expressing his “heart’s desire” to arrest the former prime minister and put him behind bars in conditions “that will make him forget politics in three days”.

None of this is in the interest of either side or the democratic process they seek to protect and promote. On his part, Imran Khan appears to have softened his stance a bit as instead of insisting on his earlier demand for immediate elections he has asked for a date. As expected, the ruling alliance spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb responded to his plan of action by saying it is the government’s prerogative to make that decision.

Indeed so. But her side, perceptibly appears vacillating between two options. It may be recalled that soon after its assumption of power, she had declared that the new government will complete the term of present assemblies. Yet during the recent days, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been telling journalists he needs to discuss the issue with coalition partners.

Meanwhile, his party’s Vice President Maryam Nawaz and supreme leader Nawaz Sharif have been speaking in favour of early elections. A major coalition member, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), is said to want to wait till the end of the present term.

The ensuing political uncertainty is badly affecting the economic situation with the rupee touching an all-time low against the dollar while stock market frequently closing in the deep red. It is imperative therefore that a firm decision is made about when the country is to go to the polls.

Some straws in the wind indicate behind-the-scenes activity is nudging all concerned towards early elections. The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued preliminary voter lists for public verification at various display centres. Also worth noting is change in Khan’s positioning.

Talking to journalists earlier this month, he had disclosed he was still receiving messages from the establishment but had “blocked their numbers”, saying he would speak to them only after announcement of an election date.

According to those close to him, the blocked numbers have now been unblocked. That is, perhaps, why he did not announce the “Haqiqi Azadi March’ schedule, as promised, at his Multan public rally, holding back for two more days. It can only be hoped things will get better rather than worse in the days to come.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022

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