Q League the brain child of the all mighty establishment, has now finally gotten some muscle, in this PPP versus PML-N game. The way things are going for PPP, it is the question for its survival. Even if it means, embracing the former adversaries to secure its waning grip, it has no choice, other than biting the bullet.
Who can forget the fiery claims of the Junior Chaudhry of Q, who had once categorically dismissed any reconciliation with PPP. His hard line stance was based on the assertion, that "reconciling with a party responsible for the break up of the nation, was out of question."
If Junior Chaudhry was really sincere, he would have raised the same question in front of his former Godfather. It is not PPP or ZAB that led to the inevitable separation of East Pakistan. It was not ZAB, who ordered the fellow Khakhis of former General, Yahya Khan to crush the so called "rebellion." The handwriting of decades worth of injustice and ruthless inequity was on the wall. But the million dollar question is, will any one ever hold the people who are truly responsible for this shameful episode? Many including the Junior Chaudhry would plead sheer ignorance, right! PPP should introduce another reference in SC and get this "historical wrong", right forever by getting their former Chairman absolved from this allegation as well.
Politics is a strange game, where no enmity is eternal and no difference is permanent. The PPP started its journey with a good momentum, after the 2008 election. Especially, the Murree Declaration was a great move. The nation finally came to some ease, with this historic patch up of PPP and PML-N. Finally, the two adversaries were ideologically aligned to keep the "military out for good."
What transpired from there on is common knowledge. The thorny issue of restoration of judiciary, was the prime reason for the rift. From there on it has been a downhill flight for both of them.
To many it almost seems like, if the alliance would have persisted, it would have been a turning point in Pakistan's political history. The two parties pretty much cover the major territory of the country. Both would have had their stint almost every five years. But to some, this rather predictable scenario, was too boring. So behind the scene forces, were busy in doing, what these forces or interests if you will, are famous for. You guessed it, creating a divide.
Slowly and gradually, PML-N parted ways. Then it was followed by JUI-F and MQM did its usual of "in and out and full round about" on a few occasions. At every such juncture, there were the usual rumor mills busy, trumpeting either "Martial Law" or "Mid Term Polls." Heck, even some TV anchors made some rather bold predictions of pack up for the PPP. Somehow, it weathered these storms and still made it through, which is nothing short of a miracle.
The same elements are busy spinning a web of another such bizarre scenario. One of our very senior politician, who should seriously take astrology for a profession, has predicted again, that this government will not last till its full term.
In the meantime, Mr. Sharif's absence from the scene, has not been very conducive for his party either. PPP's move to cozy up with Q League and taking them on board, may be a short term move. But in the longer run, this alliance may not last either.
The reason is fairly simple. Both parties are ideologically poles apart. Q League, with all due respect, was a party of N League deserters. It was carved out by former President Musharraf to divide PML-N and to get an endorsement for his Presidency. It is no secret either, that such opportunistic politicians are available in Pakistan, a dime a dozen.
They always tow the line with either the establishment or whoever is in power, for that matter. Yes Punjab has its significance and along with a sizable majority PPP can not only sustain till 2013, but perhaps beyond as well. Needless to say, the demands for ministries by Q Leaguers to sign up for the nuptials carry the telltale signs.
The PPP really needs to focus on revamping its political priorities. It used to be equally popular in Punjab in the past. Maybe its time for induction of some fresh blood in the ranks for Punjab to re ignite the spark. The time tested "turn coats" are not going to be able to pay dividends, in the long run.
This marriage of convenience may turn out to be a very bitter and costly pill. If anything, it is high time for both PPP and PML-N to sit back on the table and revisit their Murree Declaration. The nation would be in much better shape, if the two major players are in sync with one another. It will keep the small irritants and the typical opportunist characters at bay.
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