Q&A Farhatullah Babar: ‘PPP backing democracy, not Nawaz’

The Pakistan People’s Party is of the view that the ongoing protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek do not warrant the imposition of martial law, something the country has witnessed several times in the past. Farhatullah Babar, the spokesperson of the PPP, tells Shafqat Ali that PM Nawaz Sharif should not be forced to resign as it will set a wrong precedent.

What are your comments on such a long protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT)?
There is a procedure for protest in democracies. If anyone wants to protest at 10, Downing Street, he has to follow the procedure. People protest and leave. They do not remain seated there for months.

Is there any fear of martial law due to the prolonged protests?
The days of martial law are over. The people of Pakistan have always supported democracy.

Who do you think is behind all the turmoil, the PTI or someone else?
As Asif Ali Zardari said, “heavens will not fall” if the demand of recounting in four constituencies was accepted. The government has contributed by mishandling the situation. We can only see the PTI and the PAT, but they should know if they are doing it on their own or someone is supporting them.

Do you think Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation will help?
He is free to resign, but he should not be forced to resign. If a few thousand people succeeded in ousting him, then it will become a precedent. As Mr Zardari said those chanting “Go Nawaz Go” would start shouting “Go Imran Go” after PTI’s politics is exposed. We are in majority in Senate and will fight Mr Sharif on right issues, but won’t indulge in negative politics.

What is the PPP’s advice to the government?
Show flexibility. Give-and-take policy always works. Mr Zardari has constituted a special committee of the PPP to consult leaders of other political parties on defusing the current tense political situation. The PPP believes in resolution of the issue through dialogue, dialogue and only dialogue. We are supporting democracy, democracy and only democracy. Talks alone are the solution to all problems. PPP does not believe in any kind of confrontation.

How do you see the Army’s role now?
Army has remained neutral in the crisis and the Army Chief (General Raheel Sharif) should take note of those who were giving the impression that it was behind it.

Do you think the protesters represent the whole of Pakistan?
No. They do represent some percentage.

What future do you see for Imran Khan in politics?
Mr Khan is facing a pitch where the ball turns. In comparison, the PPP is used to playing on tough pitches all the time. We do respect his mandate.

Bilawal Bhutto has given some strong statements on Pakistan-India tension. What do you say?
The PPP has submitted an adjournment motion in the National Assembly against the Indian aggression at the LoC. The adjournment motion condemns losses of life in Indian forces’ firing and demands that the government raise the issue at an international fora. The motion also seeks an urgent debate over the issue in the National Assembly.