“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence”, John Adams. 

Last week, after meeting President Asif Ali Zardari in Bilawal House, Federal Minister Muhsin Naqvi made a statement in an economic Summit in Karachi that the current system had completely collapsed and needed to be overhauled forthwith. He added that even if the country produced a Prime Minister committed to work for 18 hours a day, the system would not deliver unless more administrative units were carved out. However, he did not outline the factors leading to the collapse of the system nor did he elaborate who was responsible for the political and economic crises, the country has suffered repeatedly since its inception.    

Probably, he did not think it necessary to enter into polemics at this stage. He wanted us to understand and endorse his suggestion for the reform of the system. If so, how can we reform the system if we do not identify those responsible for this tragic national failure, and how do we endorse a new system when its outlines have not been revealed to us? We should not deceive ourselves about the apparently innocent and straight forward motives of his statement. It actually represents something deeper – reflective of a new scheme governance. The establishment is surely behind his audacious move to lock horns with the politically influential ruling coalition, and the mainstream political parties.   

Nevertheless, Mr. Naqvi has stirred the hornet’s nest. The Sharif family was livid about it. Rather, it felt the hardness of the slap. The dynasty had back to back huddles at Jati Umra. Their unconditional collaboration with the security establishment has pushed their political standing to the lowest ebb. TThe Zardari dynasty is also upset. Their Pakistan People’s Party has demanded the immediate resignation of Minister Muhsin Naqvi whom President Asif Zardari has repeatedly patted on back calling him his boy. Obviously, the PPP could not have moved against him........

© The Friday Times