Naveed Aman Khan
THE outcry has been undeniably loud, and more importantly, it has been unanimous. The putative opposition, with a smattering of other losing candidates, think the polls were rigged on the previous election day. Now another hue and cry is raised about accountability and other court cases. But despite this seeming consensus, this out roar is less a harmony and more a cacophony – a mixture and contradictory stances, independent plans of actions and disunity. This simply mean that all the parties lastly alleged rigging and now unfair accountability has united them under the same banner and chalk out a combined plan of action. They tried during the All Parties Conference (APC) more crucially, all parties seem to have a different idea of what they want out of this resistance to begin with. Therefore, the image of the heads of parties ranging from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to National Party (NP) standing in front of the podium together is a little misleading. While many leaders at the conference, most notably from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), rejected the results and demanded an outright re-election at the time of last APC, PML-N has been much more circumspect. While its President, Shehbaz Sharif, was present at the conference and repeated the rigging allegations, he added an important caveat –and discussed all plans with his party.
At the time of last APC the decision to take oath in the new assemblies – for those who have been elected at least – was the biggest sticking point. Taking oath was tacitly and politically accepting the result; after which maintaining the allegation that the “mandate was stolen” became very difficult. Refusing to take oath was much more drastic and inevitably followed by street agitation. Now do all parties have the stomach for a long and protracted street battle, especially with a seemingly antagonistic and active superior judiciary, and the support of other institutions dubious at best? This is the question that goes to the heart of the confusion. Smaller parties, which have scored few seats and have been rendered almost relevant, would want to go with the more radical approach. Parties, such as the PML-N – which has a sizeable number of seats and the ability to form government in Punjab – and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) – which didn’t even attend the conference – have other options on the table. But in September 2020 Pakistan People’s Party is categorically leading the APC. Definitely a conciliatory approach has always been a great need of the age.
Today’s APC (20 September 2020) because of clear agenda, will not remain controversial any longer. Almost all the parties are struggling their level best to meet differences and reach consensus. The only turning point will be participation of former three-time Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif via video link. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari along with Mian Nawaz Sharif will definitely make clear difference. Both Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are on one page. Mian Nawaz Sharif, Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Bilawal Bhutto and Molana Fazal ur Rehman have decided to keep the steering of APC in their hands. Molana Fazal ur Rehman is also on the same page with Mian Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif. PML-N categorically has set itself in order. Saturday will be crucial for opposition parties. PML-N will be participating under the leadership of Mian Nawaz Sharif. Mian Shahbaz Sharif will participate in the APC following directions of Mian Nawaz Sharif. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf coalition partner and Awami Muslim League leader Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad has predicted that during the APC 2020 PML-N will split in two factions both lead by Sharif brothers. To my assessment PML-N will remain united and there will be no split in it. This APC seems to make the tempo of upcoming political scenario. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is successful in marketing himself as future prospect of Pakistan People’s Party. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Maryann Nawaz have decided to take similar anti-establishment lines. Both have successfully maintained their lines. These lines are making them more popular. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has full command on his party manifesto politics. Speeches of Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will determine the directions and political momentum of the All Parties Conference.
Contrary to all this PTI government seems in panic. The government wants to suppress opposition. Any level of enhanced political activity will be dealt with iron hands. This reaction of the government will flare up the situation and politically benefit opposition parties. Political activities are basic political rights of different parties but government has decided not to give this right to them and collide with political parties. The ruling class in our country always raise voices in the name of common masses but factually work for its own gains and agendas. Pakistan People’s Party rose with the best ever slogan of “roti, kaprra r makaan”. This party has ruled the country for four times in centre and nearly half a century in Sindh province but Sindhis are still living miserable life. PMLN leadership when ousted from power started chanting slogan of “vote ko izzat do” but while in power even parliamentarians of PML-N have been seen making long efforts to meet Mian Nawaz Sharif. Imran Khan as PTI leader and Premier is seen treating his parliamentarians in the same way. What to talk about unconstitutional rulers. Unfortunately in our country ruling class never raises voice for masses but for itself.
—The writer is book ambassador, columnist, political analyst and author of several books based in United Kingdom.
