There’s the people too
The Sharifs, if not on the run, are clearly on the defensive. The PML-N defence of the sudden medical check-up has not been very convincing, to say the least. And there is the growing impression that the prime minister has gone to put out some Panama Papers related fire. The perception is bolstered, of course, by all the talk of Nawaz going out of his way to meet Zardari. What all the other leaders — government and opposition — are doing in London at the same time is also not explained. And the only conclusion that can be drawn for certain is that there is definitely more at play than meets the eye.
PPP has widely distanced itself from PTI’s usual dharna tactics. And the latter, suddenly realising its usual belligerence has drawn only the usual lacklustre response, also seems to be revising course.
However, while different strands of the opposition go for the ruling party’s jugular, the press has typically so far ignored the likely fallout on the country and the people. The finance minister might have won the IMF’s pat on the back, but the economy is hardly rosy. Most people, especially from the working middle class, are suffering. This political impasse is sure to paralyse the government further, at least for a while, not the least because senior ministers are already tending to the prime minister’s latest political troubles.
PPP has widely distanced itself from PTI’s usual dharna tactics. And the latter, suddenly realising its usual belligerence has drawn only the usual lacklustre response, also seems to be revising course. No doubt the Panama scandal must be investigated. But it must be done in a way that neither governance, nor the governed, is harmed. By now both the government and the opposition have realised that an investigation is inevitable. Therefore, it is in the interest of all to proceed with the process, which will involve a forensic audit, and accept results as they come. Numbers don’t lie, after all.