Adnan Aamir
Supreme Court of Pakistan disqualified Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif from holding Public Office in what was known as the famous Panama case, on Friday.
Larger bench of apex court unanimously decided that Nawaz Sharif is not fit for holding office and also ordered that references should be filed against Nawaz Sharif and his family members.
As a result, Nawaz Sharif stepped down as Prime Minister of Pakistan and Federal Cabinet was also dissolved.
Balochistan Voices talked to different people to ascertain that what does the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif implies for Balochistan:
Senator Saifullah Magsi
It is quite interesting that the verdict is based on the undisclosed assets in Capital FZE and therefore made the former PM Nawaz Sharif liable to be declared as not Sadiq and ameen under article 62 as well as under Representation of People Act 1976.
Interesting, I had predicted this on TV about two weeks ago.
However, the Pandora’s Box of Articles 62/63 has opened and I think this will continue to be the Damocles sword for politicians. Ironically, it was former PM Nawaz Sharif who had opposed the deletion of Articles 62/63 when the 18th amendment to the constitution was being deliberated. Now He is the first PM in history to be disqualified under those same articles.
Nawab Ghaus Baksh Barozai
Former Caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan
In my opinion Nawaz Sharif as PM in his 3rd term was not performing as a National Leader instead he appeared least interested in the provincial affairs as he was in parlays with the nationalists in Balochistan. Sindh and KP were with PPP and PTI respectively. This time he appeared interested only in himself and his Family. CPEC was his priority and under this he always projected himself and Shahbaz Sharif.
His coalition partners in Balochistan enjoyed the governance in Sharif style. The Pashtun and Baloch nationalists lost their vision and couldn’t deliver for Balochistan. I see no implications of this verdict on Balochistan until our leaders become clear in serving the Province. As it’s clear that forces which are safeguarding this project are not Sharif dependent rather they are State dependent.
Sanaullah Baloch
Former Senator and MNA
Baloch are silent spectators just like many other poor and oppressed Pakistanis.
We have to understand the geography of corruption in Pakistani context, Fiscal or financial corruption is result of many systematic and structural flaws. Until and unless all means and sources including political and institutional faultless are not addressed corruption will continue to thrive.
It’s a welcoming sign that Supreme Court has taken some action but that should not be limited to one family. Accountability across the board is must. Balochistan is one of the most affected province, a penny stolen is penny less to impoverished masses of Balochistan.
Zahoor Buledi
Former Provincial Minister of Balochistan
The Panama verdict will have long-lasting impact in the Democratic history of Pakistan. Balochistan’s politics has always been integrated with federal government.
Now PML-N is ruling Balochistan so this decision dented PML-N by disqualifying their leader. If PML-N could not cover this loss in the upcoming election, then it would not be possible for the party to take seats in Balochistan.
Mahfooz Ali Khan
Former Secretary Finance Balochistan
This entire Panama saga leading to historical court decision should be taken as an awakening call for Civil servants, politicians and Institutions. If Institutions work for the state and not political bosses then accountability of all sectors can be guaranteed.
Civil society should work as watchdog and whistle blower to identify grey area and Provincial apex court should need to protect interest of people.
Malik Siraj Akbar
Founder of The Baloch Hal
I think this verdict will give some kind of heads-up to many seasonal politicians who are infamous for changing party loyalties. They will be looking around if other parties, such as PPP or PTI will have a better chance in next elections. Basically, Balochistan governments are mostly formed on the line of the government in Islamabad.
Sardar Akhtar Mengal
Former Chief Minister of Balochistan
I have the least sympathy with Nawaz Sharif.However,all my sympathies go to democratic institutions that seem to be on the path of failure
— Akhtar Mengal (@sakhtarmengal) July 28, 2017
Jan Achazkai
Special Assistant to CM Balochistan on Media
SC judgment—Murder of justice. 12th PM not allowed 2 complete tenure. Democracy plant uprooted again. Thank you SC but no thanks.
— Jan Achakzai (@Jan_Achakzai) July 28, 2017
Editorial Note:
Silver Lining in the Panama case is that Justice has been served and ruling family has been made accountable. Still, the negative point is that since 1947 not a single PM has been able to complete his/her tenure and this trend continued today. Now it’s mandatory that the process of Accountability should be across the board and not restricted to Sharif Family only.
As far as Balochistan is concerned it will not be directly affected by this decision in anyway. Business will continue as usual in this impoverished province. However, the process of accountability started at the helm should also be brought to Balochistan. The corrupt ruling elite who is responsible for plight of common man in Balochistan must also face the tough decisions of courts like Nawaz Sharif did. However this accountability should be real and not like the Finance Scandal fiasco of last year.
Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are those of the respective commentators and Balochistan Voices not necessarily agrees with them.
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