A file photo of Javed Hashmi. PHOTO: IRFAN ALI
Informal discussions with knowledgeable quarters in PML-N suggest that despite Hashmi’s public expression of bitterness against the party leadership, some leaders, mainly from Punjab, want him back in N-League. But sensing the top PML-N leadership’s unfavourable mood, pro-Hashmi elements have not yet materialised a plan. Hashmi has also publicly said he has no plans to rejoin the N-League reportedly because of the party leadership’s reluctance to allow him back in.
Sources said pro-Hashmi leaders are nevertheless in touch with their former colleague, even if these contacts are not very frequent. “In the past, interactions between him [Hashmi] and our colleagues were frequent. Now they have become occasional as the party command is not responsive at all to suggestions about Hashmi rejoining PML-N,” said an N-Leaguer with firsthand information on the matter.
PML-N leaders who enjoy good ties with Hashmi include Khawaja Saad Rafique, Khawaja Asif, Pervaiz Rashid and Mushahidullah Khan, according to the insider. “Like Hashmi, these leaders have a specific viewpoint about the security establishment, which is not often made public due to fear of backlash. This likeminded viewpoint naturally brings them closer,” he said.
”Plus, these leaders were at the forefront of opposition during Musharraf’s era. It was Hashmi who faced hardship when he was thrown behind bars. Likeminded leaders are fond of his struggle in the dictatorial regime and are not ready to forget his contributions to the party and democracy,” the source added.
However, the PML-N leadership has not paid much heed to pro-Hashmi forces’ lobbying because Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif believes including him would have a negative effect on the federal government’s relations with the security establishment. “Hashmi is a vocal critic of the security establishment. That he takes an independent position, often defying party policies, is something our command does not approve of,” an insider said.
Sources added that Hashmi’s public outbursts against the Sharif brothers, after parting ways with PML-N and joining Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, embarrassed the ruling party’s leadership. “Hashmi left PML-N even though senior leaders urged him not to. He joined our arch political foe and was elevated to the rank of its president. All those diatribes, serious accusations and insults — that is something our party command is not ready to let it go.”
Sources said the PML-N leadership had developed a soft spot for Hashmi after he alluded to the role of a ‘third umpire’ in Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri’s attempt to topple the government. “After Hashmi left PTI, the PML-N leadership considered appointing him Punjab governor without having him to join the N-League,” a source said. However, the plan was discarded after Hashmi conveyed his unwillingness to accept the position thinking that it may create an impression that he was being rewarded for his anti-PTI stance. The ruling party also did not want its ties with the security establishment to deteriorate.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Javed Hashmi said he has no intention to rejoin PML-N. “Nor do I expect that someone would be waiting to welcome me there.” Asked about his reported sympathisers, he said “there may be some who hold me in high esteem out of their kindness and love but this is irrelevant to me now as I have no plans to be back in PML-N.”
PML-N Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq too said no move was being made at the party level to have Hashmi back in the N-League’s fold. “I have come across reports that PML-N and Hashmi sahib are in contact. These are just rumours. No such development has taken place and the issue has not been considered at any level in the party. I don’t know anything about personal contacts between individuals.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 7th, 2017.
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