NRO: MQM saved country from civil disorder
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Move strengthened democracy, saved country from global embarrassment
The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Tuesday said refusal by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) to support controversial National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) in the Parliament has saved country from anarchy.
Unprecedented step by MQM proposing President Asif Ali Zardari to resign in the interest of Pakistan and face the courts caught him off guard. President was left with only one option to back out and announce abandoning the move to table the bill.
“It might have compromised position of the President but it has strengthened democracy and parliamentary norms,” said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.
The move has improved image of the country and contributed towards confidence of masses in system.
Such a great number of parliamentarians including that of PML-Q and Fata were never expected to demonstrate zero tolerance for this black law. However, role of MQM was central in whole episode, he said.
Had parliament approved NRO into act, it would have sent wrong signals in financial capitals of the world compromising country’s general approval, he said.
This would have very bad affect on business environment as whole world is finding ways and means to eradicate corruption while our rulers were planning to legitimise it.
NRO that lacks any moral or constitutional support was issued during PML-Q’s government but now they are against it. On the other hand, ANP and JUI-F who resisted it in the beginning are now supporting it, which is amazing, he said.
Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that advice of Altaf should be taken seriously, as President has lost trust of masses and allies. Many in PPP consider him main hurdle in stability of the system.
Media managers of government have failed to justify the ordinance and invited criticism in a bid to link it to terrorism.
Political parties should also express such will in addressing the problems of masses, he said.
