LAHORE:
As the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) aggressively asserts its position in the coalition government, insiders say the stakes are higher this time as the party now has the power to form its own government, capitalizing on the political instability at its disposal. favor.
The PPP has recently stepped up its criticism of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), particularly over unilateral decision-making and its marginalization on key issues.
Unlike in the past, the ally has expressed its concerns, reminding the government of its key role in the coalition and stating that the government would not survive without its 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 ordered to do so by the forces behind the coalition. This reality has allowed the government to downplay many of the PPP protests.
A PPP leader said dark clouds were gathering over the government and noted that the next two months would be crucial for its survival. He added that the PPP was a win-win scenario, regardless of the outcome.
According to a central level leader, the PPP will continue to exert pressure on the PML-N to treat them as equal partners, while keeping their options open.
Speaking to The Express PAkGazette, Nadeem Afzal Chan confirmed having received signals from the PTI about the possibility of forming new alliances. He said the next meeting of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the PPP will deliberate on the issue.
When asked if the situation with the PML-N-led government had reached a point where the PPP might consider breaking away, he left the matter in the hands of the CEC and said political parties always keep their doors open to the dialogue.
He considered that the government would remain stable and that international pressures would not intervene. He noted that powerful sectors were in tune with the PML-N, and as long as that continued, the government would face no immediate threats.
Regarding the recent agreement with PML-N, he said that PML-N had requested time until January 20 to fulfill its commitments to the PPP.
While PTI founding president Imran Khan’s stance on an alliance with the PPP has been unequivocal, the idea of removing the PML-N from power to create a neutral political setup remains a tempting option.
Well-placed sources have revealed that the establishment, changing from its earlier stance, is now adopting a more neutral approach to interacting with PTI. The change in the establishment’s position has left the PML-N uncomfortable as it hoped to dismantle the PTI for its involvement in the May 9 riots.
PML-N leaders have openly opposed any compromise with the PTI, believing that any political relaxation by the PTI would signal 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 last moment.
The animosity against Imran Khan is reportedly at such a level that the powers that be are willing to stand their ground, 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 resistance threshold, sources believe that for now, the government remains safe.
