The present course in Sindh benefits none
By issuing a threat to shut the entire country in case the PPP was cornered, Asif Ali Zaradri opted for an unrealistic course. Consequently the party stands isolated in Parliament. The resignation by Yousuf Raza Gilani and Raja Pervez Ashraf from the party offices at a time when the leadership is under pressure indicates that all party big wigs are not on the same page.
The prospects for an agitation are not favourable. No movement can succeed without the participation of Punjab. Does the present leadership of the party have the ability to mobilise the people in the absence of the jiyalas who bid the party farewell years back?
The establishment too needs to realise that it cannot run Sindh without the political parties which received the mandate to rule in the last elections. Managing Sindh is no child’s play. As things stand the PPP bears the blame for any failures in the province. Anyone taking their place will be held responsible for the failures and face the public backlash.
A middle way has to be found. Those who have committed crimes should be prosecuted strictly in accordance with the law. If the Rangers have evidence against any politician or government official, the matter should be taken to police, FIA or NAB for investigation and filing of cases in the courts. Acting deviously by imposing Governor’s rule would create complications from which it would be difficult for the establishment to extricate itself without harming its reputation. There are already rumours of Zulfiqar Mirza being groomed to act as another Jam Sadiq Ali.
There is a lot the establishment and the PPP can achieve in Sindh through coordination provided both follow the rules of the game. The PPP needs to appoint a CM who can take decisive measures to improve the working of the government and do away with the rampant corruption and lack of performance. The Rangers have to work within their limits and curb the temptation to issue press statements.
