- PML-N holds meeting, PPP shows no sign
The PML-N has taken a concrete step towards an agitation against the government with the summoning of a meeting in Islamabad on Monday of senior party leaders, as well as members of Parliament, provincial presidents and other officebearers. The meeting is to decide on whether or not to launch an agitation. Those invited are the ones who have to mobilise the party cadres, and they are also likely to be the ones determining whether a movement is possible or not. By comparison, the PPP is not so ready, with no such party gathering summoned. However, its inclinations were shown by party chief Asif Zardari, who answered a media question on Thursday after a NAB appearance, to say that the party would launch a movement after Eid.
Though both opposition parties have given up on their earlier commitment to give the PTI time to govern, there is no sign of any cooperation. However, both parties may be driven to agitation after Eid. One reason could well be public pressure as the coming Budget is expected to be nightmarish in its effect on the common man, and make them readier than ever to take to the streets. Another reason would be the persecution of party leaders. The PML-N is particularly hard hit, with its eponymous founder in jail, and his replacement in the UK, facing NAB charges. The PPP is also facing problems from NAB, what with Sindh Speaker Siraj Durrani facing one case, Mr Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur, not to mention numerous associates, facing another, while Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah is also threatened by arrest.
Though the PTI claims that NAB is acting independently, those from the opposition falling afoul do not believe them, and the bail recently granted to PTI leader Aleem Khan solidified that belief. The Prime Minister has not helped with his challenges to the opposition to do its worst. He should behave like a mature national leader, stop insulting it, and start trying to work with it. He should not forget that if there is no democracy, he will be hard put to get crumbs from the table.
