PML-N & PPP need peaceful coexistence
Except for the short-sighted and bigoted fringe, the rest of the country would welcome the compliments exchanged between Mian Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari at the luncheon given by the former. Mature attitude displayed by both Zardari and Nawaz Sharif allowed an elected government to complete its tenure for the first time in Pakistan’s history. A smooth and orderly transfer of power to those winning the elections at the centre and the provinces was also possible owing to the same maturity. The president also completed his term undisturbed and his last address to parliament, the sixth delivered by him, was heard with respect. The signal events are indicative of the strengthening of the system. Earlier in yet another display of foresight, the PML-N declined the offer by the JUI-F to deprive the PTI, the top-scorer in KP, of the right to form government. The PML-N also agreed to have a chief minister from a nationalist party in Balochistan instead of foisting the PML-N aspirant on the province. Both acts would pay off in the days to come – to the PML-N and to our polity
In the display of bonhomie there is pragmatism, for it is dictated by mutual dependence of the PPP and PML-N on each other. Both would need each other’s support in the weeks and months that follow. Nawaz Sharif knows that unless there is peace in Karachi, the largest city and the industrial hub of the country, his government will not be able to deliver. And to achieve that objective, it is imperative that he has the support of the PPP’s Sindh government. Also the PML-N government will need the PPP’s assistance in legislation that requires more than simple majority. With the PPP holding the office of the leader of opposition in National Assembly, it has to play a crucial role in the appointment of the CEC and chairman NAB. With the local government elections due later this year, the two have to be in agreement on the CEC – at the earliest. The failure to evolve a consensus on the new chairman NAB has led the SC putting the two parties on notice to arrive at a decision within a week. Again conscious that his party rules only one of the four provinces, Nawaz is desirous of seeking good relations with other provinces particularly Sindh, the largest federal unit after Punjab. Zardari on his part faces the uphill task of infusing a new life in the PPP after a devastating defeat. He can go about mobilising the demoralised party cadre only if he is not encumbered with cases in law courts that a hostile centre can burden him with. Zardari is also keen to secure the PPP government in Sindh where government leaders, no more supported by the MQM, fear the imposition of the governor’s rule.
Old habit, it is said, die hard. One can only wish that the two parties realise the fact that contention and mutual dependence are often complementary and what is required is peaceful coexistence.
