Another political party

Former Sindh governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan's decision to launch a new political party could mark a significant development in the political landscape of urban Sindh, and, if Ibad is to be believed, the entire country. Ibad's initial goal is to bring about notable changes and stir the dynamics of politics in the region, with specific emphasis on filling what he called "the political vacuum in Karachi and other parts of the country".

However, given that Ibad was an establishment darling for several years - and technically never fell out of favour despite being lost in the wilderness for almost a decade - whether or not his party is just another mold of the MQM breakaways we have seen over the past decade, or a party of change that actually aspires to grow into a lasting, national contender, remains to be seen. So far, Ibad's messaging has been appealing yet vague, with slogans claiming that being patriotic today is a courageous act and promises of action-oriented programmes to lift the nation out of its current difficulties.

Meanwhile, his initial media statements seem to underscore that the party aims to gain support from those in the middle of the wide rift between the pro- and anti-establishment parties of today. In fact, the broad strokes suggest the party will be emblematic of the terms 'moderate' and 'centrist', and that party leadership will quickly be handed over to the youth. Whether or not the youth in question are actually young, and if their personal political capital is based on personal achievements or their parentage, are also unknowns.

It is also notable that unlike former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former finance minister Miftah Ismail, who spent some time testing the waters before launching their Awaam Pakistan Party, Ibad has been out of the game for a while, and his announcement came as a bolt from the blue. Ibad isn't even in the country; and even as governor, he was criticised for spending most of his time abroad.

Still, recent events have shown that the country does need more moderating forces. If he is sincere, more power to him!