Politics of hope, despair
Notwithstanding a freezing wave, political temperatures are on the rise. The sudden inertia on the part of opposition parties to galvanise the masses for another anti-government agitation is noticeable. It has led to dropping of jaws by the men at the helm of affairs, who were convinced that the ruling dispensation has had a smooth sailing, and the next encounter will be only over the general elections next year. The PPP, which had resiliently maintained a stance that it only believes in sending the government packing through a change on the floor of the house, is mulling for a vote of no-confidence against the government. To what extent it is in sync with the PML-N is anybody’s guess, taking into account the somersaults that are set in politics.
The Nawaz league too is seen cementing its cohabitation with the opposition alliance of Maulana Fazalur Rehman-led PPD. It is sharply counting on mobilising the madrassa force as a show of strength. Likewise, political gurus of the PML-N were seen hobnobbing with PTI’s estranged godfather Jahangir Tareen, sending shivers down the government’s spine. With rumours of Tareen ironing out softies with his erstwhile adversaries, the blues of winter are evident across the spectrum.
The most perturbing aspect was the humble confession from Prime Minister Imran Khan that his government has failed to ensure accountability. It is a great setback to the ruling party’s agenda of good governance, as it banked on retribution of all those who had allegedly looted the national exchequer. The fact is that prosecution has let down the governmental probing agencies, and is a disaster to say the least in establishing white collar crime. This underscores how inevitable were reforms across the board. The government has missed the bus.
Heaving a sigh of relief, the opposition plans to translate this gain into electoral capital. This is where the ruling dispensation is check-mated. It is a Waterloo situation for PM Imran, as his administration and legal bureaucracy have led him to capitulation. Though there is little possibility of a change of guard, the opposition’s upbeat notion could prove tough to handle.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 11th, 2022.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.