For Mian Nawaz Sharif, it is always either white or black with no grey areas in between. The mindset has stood in his way to build political alliances which are a common phenomenon in democracies. This explains why there is hardly any possibility of a grand alliance of the opposition coming into existence in the days to come. What Fazl-ur-Rehman told the media after meeting Ch Shujaat and Pervez Elahi further confirms this.
The PML(N) leadership has cared little to seek allies, rejecting prospective partners on one pretext or another. It hounded the PPP out of the coalition in Punjab despite the latter’s desire to remain a part of the government. The PML(N) had earlier driven away the PML(Q) on the grounds that its leadership had stabbed it in the back. Recently, Nawaz told the PML(Likeminded) that he did not recognise any Muslim League other than his own and if anyone from a PML faction was to apply for rejoining the PML(N), the request would be considered on merit. He further added that some of the leaders of the Likeminded group had no chance of admittance. The opposition in the Senate split last month when the PML(N) decided to launch its own candidate as leader of opposition against the JUI(F)’s choice who represented the largest single parliamentary party on the opposition benches in Senate. The move subverted Ch Nisar Ali Khan’s plans to set up a combined opposition platform during the budget debate. Overtures made recently by Fazl-ur-Rehman were rebuffed by Nawaz who maintained that he did not trust the Maulana.
The PML(N) is the largest opposition party in and outside the Parliament. Many had expected that it would keep the government on its toes by uniting the opposition groups. Further, that it would forge a grand alliance which would put up a strong fight as a better alternative during the next elections. Thanks to Nawaz Sharif’s lack of political dexterity, the party faces isolation. As Imran Khan’s public meetings become increasingly larger, he too is likely to continue his solo flight. The only party besides Markazi Jamiat Ahle- Hadith that is likely to join hands with him is Jamaat-e-Islami, and neither has any worthwhile electoral following.