The MQMs decision to say goodbye to the government, thus turning the PPP-led administration into a minority government, has created a soft corner in the latter for the time-being for its arch rival PML(N) While the MQM has meanwhile made a conditional comeback, the PPP is not sure when the unpredictable ethnic outfit will throw another tantrum creating a fresh crisis. What has further generated a need for dialogue with Mian Nawaz Sharif is the mounting resentment in Sindh PPP against the MQM. Rehman Maliks Orangi operation has further added to the animus. While still clutching at the MQM as a potential lifeline, the PPP leadership has initiated talks with the PML(N).
It was by no means an easy decision for the PPP leadership to seek political support from the PML(N). The PPP has been edgy over charges of corruption leveled against its Co-chairperson. Unlike the MQM or JUI, the PML(N) is viewed as a competitor on a national level also.
Fed up with the PPPs dilatory tactics, a frustrated Nawaz Sharif told members of his partys negotiating team on Wednesday to call off talks with the government if it is seen to be acting reluctantly. While Zardari confined himself to the enigmatic observation that all positive proposals would be accepted, a beleaguered Gilani immediately assured that the entire 10-point reforms agenda would be implemented by the deadline in letter and spirit.
A moment has arrived when the PPP leadership has to take decisions that it has been stubbornly avoiding so far. What is at stake on account of the grave economic situation and the plight of the masses is the existence of the system. This is a subject that both parties need to jointly address even if they are at war with each other.
An impatient Mian Nawaz who thinks every problem in the world can be fixed in hours if not in minutes had given PPP 45 days to implement a lengthy agenda put before it. But the deadline aside, many think that Zardari needs a man like Nawaz to make him move.
Finding that the PPP could not have realistically agreed to take up cases of corruption in Swiss banks against Zardari, Nawaz has discreetly taken a step back. He has instead decided to raise the economic issues to start with as they vitally concern both parties. It was easier to agree on evolving a transparent formula to fix the petroleum prices to reduce the burden on the common man. Similarly, it would be easier for both to find a way out of the problems of gas and power loadshedding. Two committees comprising representatives from the government and PML(N) have therefore been set up.
In case the country can have a policy relating to gas, petroleum and power issues, jointly owned by the two major parties, it would benefit the common man besides discouraging irresponsible groups to agitate on the matter.
Among difficult but soluble issues is that of the much needed cut in the size of the federal cabinet. Gilani has yet to fulfil the promise made months back to reduce the unwieldy cabinet because it required the offloading of some of the nominees of his coalition allies. In case the PML(N) was to display willingness to support the government from outside in case of threats of desertions, the cabinets size could be rationalised.
Ishaq Dar who led the PML(N) team is upbeat about the prospects of success over the issue. As he put it on Thursday, We will give more good news to the nation for economic revival after the next meeting.
The issue of the formation of an independent Election Commission is a little more complex. Left to themselves both parties would like to have their trusted nominees on the body. As neither has done much during the last three years to endear them to the masses, this could make the task of reaching an agreement on an independent commission easier.
Many think that the government continues to keep incompetent heads of public sector enterprises and fails to take action against the corrupt government officials because they are somehow or the other useful to it. There is a perception that in Punjab also the situation is by no means different. It remains to be seen if the two sides can reach an agreement on identifying the incompetent and corrupt and then part company with them.
The real crunch will come when the politically volatile issues come up for discussion. Two issues in particular could lead the two sides to confrontation. The incorporation of PML(N)s suggestion in the proposed accountability law is one; the implementation of the Supreme Courts orders on NRO is another. The PML(N) recommendation requires empowering the government to seek the freezing of the foreign accounts of corrupt politicians. This is considered by the PPP to be aimed at Zardari. The second would require the government to order the opening of cases in Swiss courts, which is again Zardari-specific.
Both parties have enough capacity to cook up excuses to call off talks and revert to their all too familiar fighting mode in case they fail to resolve the political issues. What is important for the common man is for them to reach an agreement on major economic issues. In case they can show that they stand for similar economic policies which will be strictly followed irrespective of which one of them is in government, this will reduce the sense of uncertainty prevailing in the country and provide confidence to the donors.
The writer is a former academic and a political analyst.
