A number of moves have been initiated recently with claims that these were aimed at strengthening democracy. Last month, leaders of PML (Q) met PML (F) chief Pir Pagara to triumphantly announce the unification of the two factions. This was needed, said Ch. Shujaat, because the PPP-led alliance had brought the country to the edge of a precipice and if patriotic parties do not come forward to lead it, God alone knows what would happen to Pakistan. Not to be left behind, the leaders of PML (Likeminded), PML (Z) and Awami Muslim League rushed to meet the long neglected Pir to make similar noises. Responding to overtures from Pagara last week, Mian Nawaz Sharif said that unification with the PML-F was a feasible proposition provided Shaikh Rashid and the Chaudhrys of Gujrat were kept out of it. On Monday came a third move by PPP leader Babar Awan and PML-Qs Ch Pervaiz Elahi. The way out, according to them, was for the two parties to join hands.
The idea of a united Muslim League is as dead as a dodo. It suits the Sharifs who won no seat from Sindh in the last election to establish blood brotherhood with any political force available in that province. They are hopeful that as the next elections arrive, many Q-Leaguers would abandon the Chaudhrys to apply for the PML (N) ticket. When two key Q-League senators called on Shahbaz Sharif last week, it was maintained that the strategy was working. The Chaudhrys hope that an understanding with the PPP could help them ward off desertions, and depending on the circumstances, make a bid for power in Punjab. The PPP which is uneasy over periodic moves by the MQM to rock the alliances boat would feel secure with the Q-League at its side.
What would perturb many is that alliances of the sort are forged only for tactical gains. While these too have a place in a democratic polity, what is needed is to avoid making any move that may lead to the destabilisation of the system. Elected governments both at the center and provinces should be allowed to complete their tenure.