*Dr Vedapratap Vaidik

Pakistan’s Apex Court had assured to give its decision on the legitimacy of the dissolution of the national Assembly with no time delay. Two long days have passed since the disputed decision of the deputy speaker came into force and now the Supreme Court has conveniently postponed its judgment till Tuesday. Why would have the Court done so?  Earlier the Court had rejected the same plea from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and suggested that the matter be heard by the Full Bench.

The judges during the hearing had asked whether the petitioners did not have faith in the Five-Judge Bench. Explicitly expressing his displeasure one of the judges hearing the plea said to the petitioner that if they suspected integrity of the judges they were ready to resign as judicial officers.

It is difficult to speculate on the Court’s decision. It is possible the judges may uphold the dissolution of Parliament and give ruling in favour of installing a new government through a fresh general election. This could benefit Pakistan and its people.

It is a known fact, Imran Khan and his administration does not share any cosy relation with the Army leadership.  It is always difficult and risky for any government to continue in power, disregarding the displeasure of Pak Army. The second major problem that is daunting the Imran government is the rebellion from own MPs. Many have drifted to rival camps and as a result the incumbent Imran Government has reduced to a minority. His third problem is, the ruling coalition got fragmented and the opposition parties have flocked together against him.  In fact, Imran had evoked high hopes and ambitions among the public and also sold lofty dreams to them. But in dealing with the Corona epidemic and also managing international politics, his strategy backfired.

Imran’s visit to Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict had ruffled the feathers of Pak Military. With the turbulence escalating the fall of Imran government was on card. But if an opposition coalition replaces the incumbent Imran government on the strength of a Court verdict bitter questions will be asked on the legitimacy of the new dispensation. It public acceptance will be public acceptance will be scrutinised for the new formation has come to power not as per the will of the people. Such a government will be of turncoats and defectors. What could be the morale strength of such a formation? How long could such a coalition of inimical groups stay together? Even if such a government assumes power, it has to hold general election after a year and a half. This could potentially land Pakistan into a deeper crisis. The already beleaguered Pak economy might further plummet.

The Army leadership is not so cordial with the new coalition. In the past Pak Army had overthrown the leaders of the PPP and the Muslim League (N) multiple times. So, now the pertinent question is, will the Army relish these two parties to be in power? If the Supreme Court of Pakistan takes cognizance of the above factors, it may endorse the decisions to dissolve the National Assembly and hold elections.

*Dr. Vaidik is a widely travelled scholar-journalist. He has visited more than 80 countries on diplomatic and educationalmissions. Dr. Vaidik has won more than a dozen National and International awards for academic and journalistic excellence. He has been a member of several Advisory Committees of Government of India.