Abdul Hadi Mayar Islamabad
Rather than succeeding to motivate the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to hold talks with Tehrik-e-Insaf, the call of Pakistan Peoples Party for the same has only further thickened the mist of doubts between the two partners.
PML-N sources say there is a feeling inside the party’s core circles that why is the PPP itself not holding talks with Tehrik-e-Insaf if it is urging the government to do so.
“In fact the PPP wants to prove itself a democratic party and portray Muslim League-N as the one not wishing to promote political reciprocity in the country,” the sources said on Sunday, adding Bilawal Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari should themselves lead if they are so serious about talks with PTI.
PPP has been calling for dialogue with the PTI for quite some time, which has aroused questions on its seriousness about its alliance with PML-N.
Coming on the heels of speculations about relations between Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif, the talk of mistrust with the PPP has landed Shahbaz Sharif government in a sort of isolation.
It is in this background that conspiracy theories are floating about a possible change of government sooner than later.
Forer federal minister, Javed Latif, who is considered close to Nawaz Sharif inside the PML-N hierarchy, was quoted the previous day as saying that the situation has reached the point where ‘Nawaz Sharif must speak.’
Sharif is keeping mum in government and political affairs for quite some time, arousing doubts about the state of affairs in government and the ruling party.
“But despite doubts about PPP’s credentials, the PML-N leadership is moving ahead very cautiously as the former is best placed to disturb the power equilibrium with its 68 seats in the National Assembly, if PTI manages to win over its loyalty,” another source close the ruling alliance said.
