Striking a conciliatory tone ahead of the deadline set by Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif for expelling the PPP ministers from his cabinet, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has sought more time for the implementation of PML(N)s 10-point reforms agenda. The fate of the Punjab coalition as well as the future relationship between the two mainstream political parties, now hinges on the outcome of what is being described as a decisive round of negotiations between the parliamentary groups of the PPP and the PML(N).
The PM was seen softening the governments stance towards the opposition after Law Minister Babar Awan had accused the PML(N) of making a mockery of the Charter of Democracy by accepting the turncoats into its fold. This referred to the PML(N)s hobnobbing with the Unification Bloc which it contemplates taking on board after parting ways with the PPP in the Punjab. Mr Awans statement was not unprovoked. It came in response to Ahsan Iqbals warning that his party would be constrained to launch a long march as it had done for the reinstatement of the deposed judges if the federal government failed to implement its reforms agenda. Mian Nawaz Sharif may also be annoyed with the PPP leaderships inaction on the issue but he has avoided adopting an aggressive posture. All that he wants from the government is to do without delay what is doable and make sure the rest of the provisions of the reforms agenda are implemented in due course. This makes sense. The government should not show any reluctance to set up a parliamentary committee for transparent appointments on key positions in the Election Commission.
At the same time PML(N)s leadership should be looking at the larger picture to understand what can be done to improve the issues of governance, resolve economic crisis and create an atmosphere of reconciliation in the country. Mian Nawaz must also rein in his party members, including his younger brother, who are treading the path of confrontation.
