Putting life in a dysfunctional PPP
It appears that explanations given by Zardari and Gilani regarding visas to American intelligence personnel failed to satisfy the army. What is more, the army has not forgotten the Memo-gate affair ether. While Kaira claims that since there is no case against Zardari he has no interest in striking a bargain with the PML-N, those accusing the two of having developed a secret understanding claim that like PPP the PML-N too feels vulnerable for having failed to produce a satisfactory report on Dawn leaks. While presently the PPP is under focus, the PML-N too might follow suit.
Asif Ali Zardari – whose latest slogan is “Asif Zardari, friend of all” – fails to realise that the slogan can work wonders only when a party is in power but not when it is in opposition and is seen to be out of favour with those who matter. Zardari’s telephonic call to Tahir ul Qadri indicates that the PPP is feeling the heat of isolation.
Zardari had once affirmed that the age of agitations was over and that this was the era of coming to power through talks i.e. wheeling and dealing of which he claimed to be a past master. Finding that the tactic has failed to work, Zardari now looks vainly for jialas who were sent home for being of little value in an age of table talks.
The PPP is in bad shape. While the provincial chapters are to play the basic role in party reorganisation, the top leadership has to first motivate the demoralised provincial and district level leadership. The mantra of being the party of Bibi Shaheed might work for the time being in Sindh but not in other provinces after the PPP’s abysmal performance during its last tenure. Before that the party leadership could motivate the electable to work for the PPP through promises of the party ticket. Now PML-N is their first choice while PTI is the second. Attempts to raise the morale through sheer bluster have also not worked. Zardari can provide leadership only if he stays in Pakistan
