PTI takes the lead
Predictably, PTI has decided to milk PML-N’s misfortune for what it’s worth and go head first into an early campaign trail. With the Sharif family on the ropes and disagreements – at least to the point that senior leaders like Ch Nisar are unhappy – spreading into the party, PTI is looking to build early momentum as the election slowly draws near. Yet, in its eagerness to make a good show, the party seems departing from some of its own core principles. News reports suggesting party tickets will be awarded to loyalists who can draw the most people, and hence votes, on the campaign trail clearly contradict Imran Khan’s tall claims of merit and ability.
PML-N’s troubles, on the other hand, have prevented it from kick-starting a proper campaign so far. The Sharifs are wriggling to avoid the axe, Ishaq Dar’s ministry – like his case – seems pretty much in jeopardy, the likes of Nisar are out of favour and there is talk of a widening cleavage between Nawaz and Shahbaz. PM Abbasi and others, therefore, have tried to get Nawaz to tone down. But the former PM is clearly in no mood to compromise just yet. Therefore the ruling party will clearly need to regroup before hitting the campaign trail.
Far from the circus in Punjab, PPP sits comfortably in the south, at least for the time being. Despite its long record of blatant neglect for the province, other parties fail to dent it much because of their own distance from the region throughout the electoral cycle. Imran goes to a few places and badmouths the Zardaris and Bhuttos amid promises of change and freedom, but only close to the election. Otherwise there is little progressive or quantifiable PTI does in Sindh. The same is true for PML-N. Besides, PPP’s own little problems have not prevented it from holding rallies and reconnecting with people ahead of a full steam campaign. As things stand PML-N is still in disarray, PPP is beginning to budge, and PTI has taken the lead in launching an early campaign.
