Could the PPP be one?
Finally, Imran Khan has developed second thoughts about the success of his petition in Supreme Court. This has led him to revise the nearly two months old decision to bid farewell to Parliament. To save face, this would be done in two phases: initially, the PTI lawmakers would return only to the standing committees (because it has suddenly dawned on Imran Khan that important legislation was taking place in parliament, and it would be harmful if PML-N was allowed to have its own way. The PTI would however continue its boycott of the regular sessions of both houses of parliament until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on Panama-gate case.
In case the court delivers a judgment which exonerates Nawaz Sharif the PTI, we are told, would utlilise the period before the elections to mobilise public opinion against the Sharif family. The party has already released a brief video on the Panama-gate scandal.
After losing several by-elections in Punjab and Sindh, there is a hint of realisation in Imran Khan that going it all alone might not be helpful. The PTI chief is now trying to build bridges with the PPP which has suddenly developed serious complaints about the language being used by some of the PML-N’s ministers against the Zardari family. Khursheed Shah has declared that the PPP would never support the 24th amendment. With the PPP planning to get Bilawal elected MNA, which would be followed by Khursheed Shah handing over to him the office of the Leader of Opposition, there is a likelihood of relations between the PPP and PML-N becoming frostier. The party would, however, hesitate to broker a deal with an inconstant Imran Khan
The PPP’s promised long march on December 28 would test the ability of Bilawal Bhutto and the claims of the PPP leadership. Unless the PML-N government shows willingness to accept some of the PPP’s four demands, it is likely to abandon reservations accepting the support offered by PTI to make the march successful.
