And way forward
The neck-and-neck between PPP and PML-N means Senate election intrigue will not subside but increase as chairman and deputy chairman positions are ‘settled’. PPP’s confidence is well-placed and, as Manzoor Wattoo said, it will now count on support from ANP, PML-Q, MQM and JUI-F to finish the job. The N-league will stick to its guns, no doubt, but it will need a fair deal of soul searching before it can employ the kind of politics that the present situation needs. The election showed how deeply the party rank and file is split. And when one’s own house is in disorder, it is difficult, to say the least, to weave together subtle political alliances across parties.
The KP affair was pretty instructive as well. Imran’s threats clearly worked, but not before the party made a mockery of proceedings. The hours-long shut down, while voting remained suspended, was unprecedented. Among other things, it showed how deeply suspicious PTI’s high command is of the party’s working cadre. It’s not just that the ‘naya Pakistan’ of the PTI mould could never take root in KP, it’s that a party so divided will always struggle to serve the people. And since Khan sb never tires of boasting his party’s transparency, break from status quo, etc, his fall from grace has been disappointing for many.
It remains to be seen, of course, if any lessons have been learnt. In their lust for power and privilege, our political elite – government and opposition alike – is clearly willing to go to any extreme, no matter how inappropriate. Now, when they cry democracy – as is their habit – perhaps they should not be surprised to see people reacting differently. And they should not have to look too far if their efforts leave democracy even more battered than before. For now, though, it’s more likely to be more of the same as new Senate chairman and deputy chairman prepare to take their place.
