The PTI came to power promising a stringent accountability drive against corruption and bringing back the nation’s looted wealth. After more than three years, the anti-corruption campaign does not seem to be making progress and most of the high-profile suspects are either on bail or have managed to go scot-free.
In another setback, the prime minister’s advisor on accountability Shahzad Akabar abruptly resigned. He had been on the forefront leading the anti-corruption crusade pursuing graft cases against opposition leaders. Akbar’s resignation would be a huge blow to the campaign for accountability. He was tasked with bringing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif back to the country although the campaign has not yielded any significant results so far.
It is perhaps the frustration over the accountability drive that the prime minister has stated that he would be more dangerous in opposition than in power. The prime minister has avoided even interacting with Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif, saying that so do would be tantamount to overlooking the crimes committed against the nation. The prime minister even on to say that he doesn’t consider Shehbaz Sharif as an opposition leader but rather .as a criminal
The opposition has taken exception to the prime minister’s threat that he would be more dangerous if pushed out of power. Considering it a sign of weakness, the opposition has been gearing up to once again launch a protest movement against the government. The political climate is already heading up in different parts of the country. The PPP is holding a tractor march to express solidarity with farmers, while the PTI is also set to protest against Sindh’s LG laws.
The failure of the accountability cases to see their logical conclusion should be a matter of concern. It needs to be seen if the PTI will once again protest against the corruption of opposition leaders. The prime minister will have to ensure that the accountability drive is further strengthened and justice is dispensed.
