A house divided against itself
Differences that have persisted within the PML-N for a long time became manifest with the ouster of Nawaz Sharif as Prime Minister. It is doubtful whether Sharif is interested any more in acting as an arbitrator to keep those who support confrontation and those who stand for conciliation together in the PML-N. His anti-judiciary and anti-army hype indicate that he will continue to take on the institutions irrespective of consequences for the PML-N government. While the National Assembly spokesman disowned the so called reference that attracted media attention for hours on Saturday, a perception persists that it might have been used by some to convey to the court that things could get messier and dirtier in case of pressure increasing on the Sharifs. This could alternately have been a machination on the part of some among the PML-N’s opponents.
The statement by former information minister about Musharraf’s ghost haunting individuals in institutions indicates that Sharif is unwilling to rein in the confrontationist lobby. The refusal to respond to the NAB’s summons indicates the continuation of defiance on his part. On the other hand the riposte from Ch Nisar and the call by Shahbaz Sharif to party leaders and office bearers to desist from speaking against institutions indicate that those who support conciliation are not willing to yield ground. Khaqan Abbasi has argued that Sharif has said nothing against the institutions, a stand hard to maintain for a long time. Will Abbasi be able to prevail upon Sharif to bring down the level of confrontation?
Internal divisions are affecting the Sharif family also. Hamza Shahbaz who had played key role in previous bye-elections in Punjab was accused of being unenthusiastic about handling the campaign in NA-120. On Saturday, Nawaz Sharif therefore handed over the task to the PML-N Lahore chief. Unwilling to be seen uncooperative, Hamza convened a meeting hours later where those nominated by the former Prime Minister were also present to draw up the strategy for September 17 polls. How long the two sides manage to paper over the cracks in the party remains to be seen.
