- PPP’s untimely call for overthrowing govt
The Bhutto death anniversary function was used this time by the PPP leadership to subject the government to scathing criticism as usual. The government is already being rightly criticized for its failure to handle the economy. Even some of the PTI bigwigs concede that if those managing the economy had taken right decisions at the right time some of the suffering faced by the people could have been reduced, if not altogether avoided. The PTI had raised the common man’s expectations to unrealistic levels only to win the elections. It was given out that once the party was in power, looted wealth would be recovered in no time. There would be no need to seek foreign aid or to seek an IMF programme. With an honest man like Imran Khan in power, people would voluntarily start paying taxes.
With the administration’s expenses increasing and demands from powerful circles for more funds, the PTI government arbitrarily reduced the funds due to the provinces under the NFC Award. Suggestions by several party leaders for the revision of the 18th Amendment was bound to cause resentment in the provinces, particularly Sindh. The Sindh PTI leaders first demanded the provincial chief minister’s resignation after Murad Ali Shah was summoned for questioning in the fake accounts case by NAB. Some PTI legislators hinted at PPP legislators changing loyalties leading to the fall of the government. Meanwhile cases against the Zardaris started to be pursued relentlessly. This made the party leadership lose patience.
Addressing the Bhutto anniversary, PPP co-Chairperson Asif Zardari urged his party’s supporters to “march towards Islamabad” and oust the government. Bilawal Bhutto’s tone was also strident but he stopped short of issuing a call to arms.
The PTI has alienated the entire opposition. With the Parliament still functioning the best option for the opposition is to use the forum to rein in the government. With the PTI having been in power for only seven months and the establishment still at its back, it would be premature to expect the people to come out and succeed in overthrowing the government. Meanwhile those who matter also need to rein in the NAB to remove the perception that the opposition leadership is being subjected to revenge.
