LAHORE:
As the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) aggressively asserts its position in the coalition government, insiders say the stakes are higher this time, with the party now holding the power to form its own government, capitalizing on the political instability to its advantage.
The PPP has recently intensified its criticism of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), particularly over its unilateral decision-making and sidelining on key issues.
Unlike in the past, the ally voiced its concerns loudly, reminding the government of its key role in the coalition and saying the government would not survive without their support.
However, in the past, the PPP’s concerns went largely unaddressed, as it was widely understood that it would not abandon the PML-N unless the forces behind the coalition asked it to do so. This reality allowed the government to downplay many of the PPP’s protests.
A PPP leader said dark clouds were gathering over the government, stressing that the next two months would be crucial for its survival. He added that the PPP was in a win-win scenario, whatever the outcome.
According to a central-level leader, the PPP will continue to put pressure on the PML-N to treat them as equal partners, while keeping its options open.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Nadeem Afzal Chan confirmed that he has received signals from the PTI regarding the possibility of forming new alliances. He said the next PPP Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting would deliberate on the issue.
When asked if the situation with the PML-N-led government had reached a point where the PPP might consider parting ways, he left the question to the CEC, saying political parties still kept their doors open to dialogue.
He believes that the government will remain stable and that no international pressure will intervene. He stressed that powerful circles were on the same page with the PML-N and as long as this continued, the government would not face any immediate threat.
On the recent agreement with PML-N, he said PML-N had requested a deadline till January 20 to fulfill its PPP commitments.
Even though PTI founding president Imran Khan’s position on an alliance with the PPP is unambiguous, the idea of removing the PML-N from power to create a neutral political setup remains an attractive option.
Well-placed sources have revealed that the establishment, abandoning its earlier stance, is now adopting a more neutral approach in its engagement with the PTI. The change in the establishment’s stance has left the PML-N worried, as it hoped to dismantle the PTI for its involvement in the May 9 riots.
The PML-N leadership openly opposed any engagement with the PTI, believing that any policy relaxation for the PTI would mean the end of the PML-N government.
However, those in the know say that despite international pressure, no concessions will be made to the PTI or its imprisoned founder until the very last moment.
The animosity against Imran Khan is said to be at such a level that the powers that be are prepared to stand firm even in the face of international opposition. While it is possible that the PML-N government could be offered as a “sacrificial lamb” if international pressure exceeds the threshold of resistance, sources believe that for now, the government remains safe.