And certain wish lists
Despite requests from Nawaz Sharif and pleading by Khurshid Shah the MQM and JUI-F remain adamant. The PTI must be unseated, they insist. While both dislike the PTI for making inroads in their traditional constituencies the dislike is transformed to sheer hatred on account of Khan’s arrogant attitude and his derisive remarks about the leadership of the two parties. Khan’s peculiar style of dealing with political opponents has evoked similar response from other political parties including the PML-N.
Nawaz Sharif wants to spend the remaining three years of his tenure peacefully. He knows that if the PTI is thrown out of the National Assembly it would again take resort to agitation, providing the army an opportunity to play the role of the mediator, thus further reducing his stature and authority. Being cognizant of the sentiments of his workers and party leaders and even sharing them, he does not stop them from castigating the PTI on TV shows or in public statements. The top PML-N leaders however oppose the unseating of the PTI MNAs. The two altogether different stances have led Imran Khan to blame the PML-N for pursuing a policy of duplicity.
The PPP has opposed the unseating of the PTI. Khurshid Shah has even supported Imran Khan’s demand for the resignation of ECP members. The PPP being a small party in the National Assembly is keen to cultivate the PTI despite reservations.
The MQM and JUI-F are reportedly willing to bargain on the resolutions. The MQM wants some of its urgent demands related to Karachi accepted. The JUI-F too has reportedly prepared its wish list. Nawaz Sharif does not want surprises. While he would try to ensure that party MNAs vote against the resolutions of the MQM and JUI-F, if these are not withdrawn, some might still like to support them. In view of the widespread resentment against Khan’s brashness the possibility of the passage of the resolutions, though remote, cannot be altogether ruled out. That would be indicative of division in the PML-N.
