Arif Malik
LAHORE: At a time when Pakistan is facing a faltering economy coupled with growing wave of terrorism, the increasing political temperature has set off alarm bells for all stakeholders.
In an atmosphere of mistrust and wariness when rival politicians are not ready to sit together, a well-known, ‘The Moderator Group’ comprising people from different walks of life called on former prime minister Imran Khan at his Zaman Park residence to convince him to sit with other political leaders to take the country out of the current financial malaise and political antagonism.
Who are the leading faces in the group?
The delegation, comprising representatives of civil society, bar councils, human rights organisations and journalists, was led by senior journalist Imtiaz Alam. Prominent delegation members included Hussain Naqi of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Kazim Khan of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Senior Journalist Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Senior Journalist Sohail Warraich, Sabahat Advocate, Abid Saqi, Raheel Cheema Advocate and Khawar Mumtaz of HRCP.
The Media Group didn’t suddenly emerge’
Referring to ‘The Mediator Group’, senior journalists said that some group members are inclined towards the Pakistan People’s Party and some towards the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. They said that the group did not emerge all at a sudden but the group is known for similar efforts in the past. Sources said that the group has some mandate and it is in touch with political leaders.
Elections and the group’s efforts
Representatives of the group told We News that the group’s main purpose was to reduce the ongoing political tension in the country and bring all political parties on the same page to agree on holding the general election. In this regard, the group is also attempting to hold a “great debate or grand dialogue.
It was learned that after meeting with Imran Khan, civil society leader Imtiaz Alam has written letters to all political leaders including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman about the positive response from Imran Khan, and holding a multi-party conference.
Arif Alvi and Yasmin Rashid’s leaked call
In this regard, senior journalist Sohail Warraich said that the leaked call between President Arif Alvi and Dr Yasmin Rashid, with the latter urging to former to play a role in reducing tensions was probably a result of this effort.
Members of civil society have made such an attempt before as well, but the bull could not be taken by the horns and in such a situation, this is now the second attempt.
‘Risks are damaging’
Sources said that the only purpose of the civil society delegation meeting political parties was to control the political temperature and gradually reduce it because if the political parties did not comprehend the gravity of the situation, the result could be consequential and damaging.
According to Sohail Warraich, “in view of this, we have met Imran Khan first because he is the leader of a popular party and he has agreed to attend a multi-party conference so that the issue of elections can be sorted out and moved forward.”
‘Doing it for betterment of country’
Talking to We News, senior journalist Hussain Naqi said that prior to the separation of East Pakistan, political tension was at its peak and “people like us went to Sheikh Mujib and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto beseeching them not escalate things to such an extent.”
“Even today, civil society people are talking to all political stakeholders to find a solution to the problem and unite everyone on elections. We are doing all this for the betterment of the country,” he said.
Hussain Naqi said they were trying to conduct talks without the establishment’s involvement. “All political people should talk to each other, this effort can yield positive results,” he said, adding that there should be political stability in the country.
“The purpose of our meeting is also to hold free and fair elections in the country. Although the election commission has given a new date for elections, if a political solution is found, the poll body can also announce the date again,” he said.
According to Hussain Naqi, political parties should adopt a democratic attitude and avoid aggression.
Imran Khan’s consent?
One of the reasons why Imran Khan is ready to participate in the multi-party conference is the one-point agenda of elections, although despite several attempts in the past, he could not be convinced to sit with opposition political parties.
‘Imran Khan has many reservations’
Lahore High Court Bar Secretary Sabahat Rizvi told We News they discussed many issues with Imran Khan. “Imran Khan also had many reservations, but he appreciated the efforts of the civil society and said that finally you have come out for mediation,” she said.
“We sincerely hope that we will be able to hold a multi-party conference,” Rizvi said.
‘No one will benefit from confrontation’
Civil society representatives say the Pakistan Bar Council is ready to host the APC if all major political parties agree to their call. If this consensus is developed, Pakistan can move forward, otherwise, no one will benefit from this tension.
