Not the time for Dar-isms

With PTI on war path, the ball is in the government’s court

ISHAQ Dar’s outburst yesterday was just another indication of the tension that’s mounting between the PTI and the government. What should have been averted a long time ago has turned in to what looks like a sit in reminiscent of the infamous 2014 Dharna. Whether or not one agrees with Imran Khan’s plans, the fact remains that of the two actors at play (the PTI chairman and the government), he’s the only one who has announced any plans at all. And while his plans to block all routes to government buildings, shut down schools and effectively lock down the capital are not the most responsible ways of making a statement, Ishaq Dar’s assurance that the lockdown would not proceed wasn’t the most reassuring one. Particularly when it was accompanied by a statement like “Imran Khan will never be Prime Minister, he shouldn’t be jealous, it’s just not in his qismat (fate)”.

Such talk indicates primitive thinking, which is not expected from the country’s finance minister. What it did not indicate was what the government was going to do to ensure that the government offices and the lives of the people of the federal capital would not be disrupted by the disgruntled PTI, short of arresting its party members (which IK has assured will be met with strict opposition and pressurising of the police). One would think that such an important representative of the government would take more care with what he says on record, knowing full well how his words will be interpreted by both the general public and the opposition.

And speaking of the opposition, the government has yet to indicate any interest in talks with them. These talks are particularly vital because, should the government agree to the Opposition’s ToRs, this could possibly lead to negotiations with the PTI. All eyes are now on the prime minister as the ball is in the government’s court.