The IT becomes both crucial and unpredictable
The opposition parties look at the probe by the JIT ordered by the SC as a God-sent opportunity to get an otherwise well-entrenched PML-N out of its way. With Nawaz removed and declared ineligible, it would be easier to rout a rudderless and disheartened PML-N in the general elections. The PTI, which had played the leading role in taking the issue to the SC, wants to be the sole beneficiary of the PML-N’s debacle. Instead of sharing the spoils of victory with the PPP, which had initially shown readiness to partner with the PTI, Imran has made Zardari his next target. Irrespective of whether one agrees or not with the PTI’s policy, the line of action is clear and unambiguous.
What one fails to understand is the bloody fighting between the Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari. Being practitioners of realpolitik, both believe in making alliances to win and retain power irrespective of the allies’ political positions or their public image. One had expected that Sharif would cater to Zardari’s key concerns to retain the support of the PPP which had acted as a friendly opposition for full four years. One had also expected the PPP leadership to continue its policy of reconciliation with the PML-N at a time when it needed it the most. Whatever the reasons both will have to bear the consequences of the war of attrition they have entered into. Meanwhile, PML-Q has collected together four religio-political networks of little electoral significance, calling the band of political pigmies a “grand alliance”.
With reservations being expressed regarding the JIT, the DG ISPR first took pains to clarify that certain comments regarding the head of a premier intelligence agency were baseless. The issue presumably cropped up at the latest corps commanders meeting leading the ISPR to clarify that the military will play ‘due role’ in JIT appointed to probe the Sharif family. Meanwhile PTI has sent a reference against the NAB chairman before the Supreme Judicial Council. This is meant to tell the NAB member in JIT to be careful.
