To begin with, opposition resorts to soft tactics

A responsible alliance?

It goes to the opposition’s credit to remain united despite pulls in different directions within the alliance. The PTI is itching to go for an all-out, no-holds-barred fight with the government with the single demand of the prime minister’s resignation. The ANP and QWP are altogether opposed to the demand and do not favour agitation. The PPP would like to drag the prime minister’s name through the mud as much as it can by accusing Nawaz Sharif and three of his children of taking away millions from the country illegally to set up businesses abroad. It goes against its electoral interest however to seek an immediate removal of the government.

It suits opposition parties to use all forums available to them to expose the government. Among other considerations the decision is aimed at projecting the opposition’s image as a responsible alliance. It can claim later that it had tried all available avenues before deciding to hit the streets. The opposition would meanwhile give a tough time to the government in Parliament where it has decided to move a bill on Panama investigations. Keeping in view the game of numbers there is a likelihood of the opposition getting the bill through the Senate during the current session. While the bill is fated to be defeated in NA, it would provide the opposition leaders an opportunity to tarnish the government’s image through their speeches. The opposition would meanwhile get Panama specific resolutions of its liking passed from the Sindh and KP assemblies where its components enjoy majority.

For a short while the government can breathe a sigh of relief. The PPP and the PTI are both fully focused on AJK elections due on July 27. Soon after, the party leaders belonging to the opposition are scheduled to meet to decide on a timeline for further action if the government still maintained an adamant posture on ToRs. They may decide to take to the streets demanding a fair probe into the murky dealings of the prime minister’s scions.