IN a welcome development, PML(N) supremo Mian Nawaz Sharif has embarked upon a mission to clear hurdles in the way of smooth sailing of the otherwise fragile coalition government. After addressing grievances of the MQM-P in a satisfactory manner, MNS visited the residence of Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, head of the estranged ally, the JUI(F) on Friday to seek his cooperation for the government formation at the Centre and become part of the coalition. At the same time, those sitting in galleries of the National Assembly got a clear impression that despite extreme sort of provocation, leaders of PML(N) are avoiding to indulge in a blame game with the PTI members and this policy of restraint, if pursued diligently, might help reduce political tension.
These developments are in line with the overall policy of the PML(N) leader, who has opted not to vie for the slot of the chief executive of the country and instead focus on party issues and political matters, giving the would-be Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif complete peace of mind to focus on governance and delivery. Timely initiatives and moves to address concerns and complaints of the allies and other parties have the potential to pave the way for Grand National reconciliation, which, in turn, might help the emerging set-up to function smoothly and deliver as per the expectations of the people. No breakthrough was achieved during the Nawaz-Maulana meeting, but based on what transpired in the meeting, senior leaders of PML(N) are expressing optimism that the JUI(F) would ultimately return to the folds of the coalition. Hiccups were also there in enlisting cooperation of MQM-P but, finally, the two sides managed to sort out things amicably and now the latter has decided to formally join the coalition. As PPP is part of the emerging set-up, there are expectations that the Federal Government will have friction-free relations with three provinces – Punjab (where the PML-N has its own Government), Sindh and Balochistan (a coalition of PPP and PML-N). However, signals from the KP are dismaying as far as the initial tone of the newly-elected Chief Minister Amin Gundapur is concerned. His expression of loyalty with the founder Chairman of the party is understandable but threats hurled against institutions could complicate things for the provincial government itself. Political differences and expediency notwithstanding, sanity demands all provinces should have working relations with the Centre as they cannot implement their agendas for welfare of the people without active support of the Federal Government and its institutions.
