THE expectations that the decision of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to postpone its march on Islamabad and invitation of the Government to the Opposition for talks on electoral reforms would ultimately pave the way for national reconciliation are unlikely to be materialized as several developments on Sunday added to the polarization that is pushing the political temperature to the boiling point.
While announcement of the PDM to express solidarity with PML(N) leader Maryam Nawaz on the occasion of her appearance before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on the 26th instant is symptomatic of a showdown, war of words is intensifying between two major component parties of the PDM – PPP and PML(N) – as both are eyeing on the office of the leader of the Opposition in the Senate following unsuccessful bid of the Alliance to capture the office of the Chairman.
All this is happening in the backdrop of unending rumours that the PPP has entered into some sort of understanding with relevant circles to the disadvantage of both the ruling party and rest of the constituents of the PDM.
Such speculations gained momentum when PPP leadership not only flatly refused to endorse the strategy of resignations and the long march propounded by other nine parties of the PDM but also launched a tirade against the PML(N) leadership, knowing well that such an approach would damage the unity of the Alliance.
PML(N) is also critical of the PPP’s backtracking on the issue of the nomination of the leader of the Opposition in the Senate.
PPP stakes it claim on the basis of its numerical strength in the house where it is the largest of the opposition parties with 21 seats but PML(N) refers to an understanding among PDM parties that the offices of Chairman and Deputy Chairman Senate would go to the PPP and JUI(F) respectively while leader of the Opposition would be from PML(N).
Now their differences have become talk of the media with PPP leaders insisting on their claim and Maryam Nawaz categorically stating that there would be no compromise on the already settled issues.
Though PPP has sought time from PDM to give its final opinion on the issue of resignations but surging public debate on differences between PPP and PML(N) is a clear indication that the parties would find it difficult to work together and their separation is now merely a formality.
Similarly, the success of the Government’s move for a dialogue on electoral reforms needed a salutary environment but sudden activation of the NAB against PML(N) leadership is once again scuttling prospects of reconciliation.
The issue of victimization through NAB has assumed more relevance as the opposition claims the Bureau took cognizance of an issue that doesn’t fall within its purview.
All this amounts to missing an opportunity for bringing down the rising political temperature that would have brightened chances of resolution of real issues of the masses.
There is still time to save the situation if there is sincerity and will on both sides.
