Experts are in overwhelming consensus that political parties are primarily engaged in advancing their own vested interests rather than prioritising the country’s interest.
They believe that each political entity seeks to align itself with the support of the military establishment as a means to attain power.
Naveed Hussain, Chief Editor of The Express Tribune, voiced his criticism of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s political attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during the talk show "Experts" on Express News. Hussain pointed out inconsistencies in Bilawal’s rhetoric.
The seasoned journalist emphasised the contradictions in Bilawal's remarks, noting that the PPP chairman labelled the May 9 incident as a coup, yet just days prior, he had advocated for a judicial inquiry into the matter. Hussain posed the pertinent question: if the May 9 mayhem was indeed a coup, why was there a call for a judicial inquiry?
Hussain, citing Bilawal's speech, pointed out that there is a clear assertion that the PTI does not adhere to democratic principles. However, he also highlighted the paradox that emerged when the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, inclusive of the PPP, was established. He believes that the PDM government declined from a democratic entity to a dictatorial regime in the democracy index.
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Hussain highlighted that across the political spectrum, encompassing parties such as PTI, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), PPP, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), all want support from the establishment. This collective awareness suggests that the pathway to power in Pakistan does not solely rely on the mandate of the people, he added.
Supporting his stance, the senior journalist pointed out the recent electoral outcome where the party emerging as the largest was sidelined from power, while a coalition of other parties assumed governance collectively.
In reference to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif's remarks during the PTI government, the senior expert noted that Sharif had also addressed the military leadership, indicating that his grievances were directed towards them. Hussain further advised Bilawal, suggesting that he, too, should engage in self-reflection and accountability.
“Maulana Fazlur Rehman and members of the PML-N have revealed details about the behind-the-scenes manoeuvres leading to the formation of the PDM government, shedding light on the meetings held, the individuals involved, and the influence exerted to push for the vote of no confidence,” Hussain underscored.
Hussain also urged political parties to unite and dial down the political tension, emphasising that while they may be critical of the PTI, they themselves are not exempt from scrutiny.
Express News Bureau Chief in Islamabad, Amir Ilyas Rana, concurred with Hussain, stating that all parties are the same; everyone likes democracy on their own terms.
Rana pointed out Bilawal's initiative to propose a coalition government with the PTI. He suggested that had the PTI accepted the offer and formed a joint government with the PPP, Bilawal's arguments would likely have been in favour of the PTI.
He asserted that the May 9 tragedy cannot be absolved by a mere apology from the PTI, even if the former ruling party secures bail or is acquitted in the cases. The PTI has to apologise publicly for that incident, he added.
Rana observed that even those asking for amnesty understand that enabling PTI's path to power poses no threat to them. He believes that if the path to power is facilitated for Imran Khan, founder of PTI, all principles of democracy that he stands for will be compromised.
Ayaz Khan, Group Editor of Daily Express, commented on Bilawal’s recent statement, advising against taking such emotionally charged speeches seriously.
Khan asserted that Bilawal's response stemmed from PTI's criticism of his father's speech. He believes that if PPP and PTI had formed a coalition government, they might now be directing their criticisms towards PML-N, accusing them of causing harm to the country.
The group editor expressed surprise at Governor Sindh, Kamran Tessori's statement, wherein Tessori expressed astonishment at how the cases of PTI's founder, which were anticipated to take years to resolve, were concluded within days.
Khan remarked that, conversely, legal experts indicate these cases were indeed meant to be resolved swiftly, raising questions about why they took months instead.
Faisal Husain, the Karachi Bureau Chief for Express News, emphasised that the PPP also benefits from Form-47, along with PML-N and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).
He refuted the notion that the PPP had the option to form the government independently, asserting that none of the beneficiaries of Form-47 had the autonomy to make decisions on their own.
The Bureau Chief of Karachi believes that the PPP has already exceeded its fair share of power and is currently reaping the benefits. He predicts that in a few days, the PPP will likely also become a part of the federal cabinet.
Express News Bureau Chief in Lahore, Mohammad Ilyas, suggests that whenever Bilawal senses that the PTI is receiving some respite, he promptly speculates that there could be a behind-the-scenes agreement with the PTI. Subsequently, chairman PPP vocalises his apprehensions regarding the matter.
Ilyas suggests that the survival strategy for PPP, PML-N, and other parties revolves around reducing the influence of PTI to the minimum. He observed that despite forming a coalition government, they fear that any potential deal between the establishment and PTI could endanger the stability of their government.
He emphasised that following the news conference of DG ISPR, these parties should have confidence that no deals will be made. However, due to mutual distrust, they remain cautious.
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