Political realism induces IK to mute barbs against Zardari and PPP
Some say that the force of circumstances is the most powerful force in the world. It is certainly the most uniting one. This appears true at this point in case of the PTI leader. Never one to let go a simple question on Asif Zardari without caustic comments in the past, he exhibited tact in his latest jousting with journalists. Sidestepping, by a harmless cricketing metaphor, a query on the elder Zardari’s decision to enter parliament, Imran also concurred on joining a grand alliance against the government with the once taboo PPP. In Imran’s case, the binding force or moving spirit is and remains the Panama Leaks scandal, which is not getting anywhere fast, according to his lights. On this issue, the PPP (or at least some part of its leadership) and the PTI are ostensibly on the same page. Whether this common cause will lead to a meaningful grand alliance against the staunchly entrenched Nawaz Sharif, or will only turn out to be a brief honeymoon period, remains to be seen. Imran Khan also generously opined that Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the Punjab PPP had played the role of a genuine opposition. Both parties now realise they cannot go it alone and still taste success.
The PPP is also in a mellowed and receptive mood. Its bashing by the PML-N in the recent by-elections in Punjab has revealed the mood of its disillusioned and indifferent vote bank and that too with the general elections approaching fast. The friendly opposition card has backfired badly in this key province. The Jhang by-election was particularly disturbing as the campaigning of its top leadership could muster just a bit over 3,000 votes.
Whatever the binding catalyst, the opposition leaders ought to work together especially in the parliament as a check on governmental excess, which is its true role. The PML-N too should meet the opposition half-way and settle all issues in the House. But for that, attending the Assembly sessions regularly is imperative for the prime minister.