This time the MQM seems to be more than serious in saying goodbye to the PPP. There are some very cogent reasons for this; the first being that the elections are fast approaching, just three months away. Then, the PPP has miserably failed in all spheres and the people want to get rid of them to get a sigh of relief. Any party, including PML-Q and ANP, who wants to have alliance with the rulers are bound to be neglected by the voters. This fact is well known to the MQM who would like to distance itself to gain some support in Karachi and Hyderabad.
About the expected relief to masses: the new government setup is going to take at least two years to undo the wrongs. If the new setup concentrates on economy which is in real shambles, our country will see some change. The USD’s exchange rate was 68 rupees before this governed took power and now it is about 100 rupees. Our foreign policy can be somewhat independent if we improve on the financial front. Deficit financing is the order of the day which has crossed all limits.
About a dozen PPP MPAs have crossed over to PML-N as perhaps they see the writing on the wall. Even a short adventurous stint of Dr Qadri did not help postpone the elections. The government is still seen wooing him, but it is too late.
RASHID MAQSOOD
Lahore
