AS the deadline for ‘Azadi March’ of Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman of JUI(F) is approaching, fast changing developments are taking place both on governmental and opposition fronts that are going to determine the ultimate fate of the plan. Prime Minister Imran Khan, though negated reports that he has assigned Religious Affairs Minister to dissuade JUI-F chief from marching on Islamabad, has not ruled out the option of talks. On the other hand, PML-N, which was previously in a state of somewhat indecision about its support to JUI-F, has made it absolutely clear that it would go the whole hog with Maulana. His announcement has also buried conjectures that the PML-N leadership was seeking any NRO or pursuing the so-called reconciliation policy.
So far, the Government was not taking the issue of the long march and sit-in at the D-Chowk seriously in the hope that the opposition, as before, would remain divided on the question of joining or not joining the protest campaign. In fact, despite their internal meetings and consultations with each other, PML-N and PPP were unsure what to do in the given circumstances. Political analysts believe that things changed due to timing of the move to open another reference against incarcerated former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. As prospects of turning of tables brightened due to leaked video, NAB became active and arrested PML-N supreme from Kot Lakhpat jail in Chaudhry Sugar Mills case. The move apparently helped PML-N shun indecisiveness and Nawaz Sharif announced in clear-cut terms that his Party would whole-heartedly support the march and participate in it fully. He has written a letter to his brother Shahbaz Sharif in this regard and now the Party is expected to mobilize its cadres for the purpose. It is difficult to conclude whether the push for another reference was aimed at pressurizing PML(N) to stay away or it actually worked the other way round but things have dramatically changed afterwards. At the same time, ANP leader Asfandyar Wali Khan has also announced support for the march and said he himself would be joining when the marchers reach Islamabad. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari too has issued directions to Sindh Government to facilitate marchers and there are reports that Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman might begin his journey from Sindh in view of repeated assertions of KP Chief Minister to block his way in the province. Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzadar has also held a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss the strategy to handle the situation that might arise due to protests and march. We believe that instead of contemplating administrative measures to deal with the political threat or opening more cases against the opposition leaders strengthening impression of misuse of the accountability process to settle political scores, the Government should review its strategy and open communication channels with all political parties. As the Prime Minister himself has pointed out, doors remain open in politics and these must not be shut for petty political considerations or gains. The saying that it is the party in power that suffers most in political confusion, chaos and uncertainty was true in the past and is so today as well because the opposition has already lost much and has nothing more at stake. PTI has an ambitious plan of reforms and revival of the economy, which demands complete peace of mind and tranquillity. Incidentally, some other sections of the society like businessmen too are weary of some of the policies of the Government and have declared their intention to launch protest campaign almost at the same time when the opposition would be airing its grievances. Any political upheaval would harm interests of the country both on internal and external fronts especially when Kashmir issue has entered into a new and challenging phase, phase two of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is being launched, efforts are being made to sort out Afghan problem through peaceful means and the Government is on the verge of practically initiating projects like PM Housing Scheme that are directly linked with the popularity of the ruling party. The Prime Minister is not yet seeing the need for the formation of any Committee for approaching the opposition on the issue but it is always better to pre-empt rather than waiting for the D-Day to come.
