So much more for N-league to consider
Any doubts about Tahirul Qadri keeping the dharna momentum were laid to rest the moment he landed in Lahore; men, women and elderly, in the thousands, spoke for themselves. So much for the brief breather for the Sharifs. Now, interestingly, while Qadri was careful not to cause any provocation, the N-league seems continuing with its aggressive posturing. The JIT, for example, was bound to trigger a strong reaction from PAT. Why would PML-N first agree to a set of conditions – which, apparently, led to Qadri folding the dharna – then dishonour them when constituting the JIT if not the belief that they had gained the upper hand. And it’s not like they have not displayed this attitude in their dealings with all forms of opposition, in and outside the House – PTI, PPP, etc.
But Qadri brings more problems than just the Model Town killings or another dharna-like movement. In accepting failure and announcing the elections route he has been smarter than Imran. The N-league is damaged – one thing the dharnas did achieve – especially in Punjab. PTI’s jalsas, despite the sit-in fizzling out, have been tremendous successes. The PPP, too, has found it politic to jump into the fray here. That it was thrashed in ’13 is yesterday’s news. It’s the timing they have chosen to reorganise in Punjab that is important now. And, apparently seeing PTI and PAT steam-rolling, they have gambled on the present being the most opportune moment to start posturing, regardless of its stance in support of ‘democracy’ in the Assembly.
The ruling party, meanwhile, continues losing face, and position. In fact, its loss of fortunes has led to political campaigns that do not suit this time of the electoral cycle. Certain sections of the press have even been talking about mid-term polls. At this time, Qadri has become a significant political problem for the Sharifs. Yet strangely, they still don’t realise how their handling of the Model Town fallout is harming their own position. Rather than bring the issue to an amicable solution, they are continuing with their politics of influence, still bending the law to suit their interests. Now, as PAT also takes to the streets, it would be in the Sharifs’ own interest to settle at least the JIT matter responsibly.
