PPP can go for new alliances
LAHORE:
As the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) aggressively asserts its position in the coalition government, insiders claim that the stakes are higher this time, with the party now holding the power to form its own government, capitalising on political instability to its advantage.
The PPP can go for new alliances has recently stepped up its criticism of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), particularly over unilateral decision-making and being sidelined on key issues.
Unlike in the past, the ally has been vocal in voicing its concerns, reminding the government of its key role in the coalition and asserting that the government would not survive without their support.
However, in the past, PPP’s concerns largely went unaddressed, as it was widely understood that it would not abandon PML-N unless directed to do so by the forces behind the coalition. This reality has allowed the government to downplay many of PPP’s protests.
A PPP can go for new alliances and ppp leader claimed that dark clouds were gathering over the government, noting that the next two months would be crucial for its survival. He added that PPP was in a win-win scenario regardless of the outcome.
According to a central-level leader, PPP will continue applying pressure on PML-N to treat them as equal partners, while also keeping its options open.
Talking to The Express Tribune, Nadeem Afzal Chan confirmed receiving signals from PTI regarding the possibility of forming new alliances. He said that PPP’s upcoming central executive committee (CEC) meeting would deliberate on the issue.
PPP can go for new alliances, 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 matter to the CEC, saying that political parties always keep their doors open for dialogue.
He reckoned that the government would remain stable and that no international pressures would intervene. He pointed out that powerful quarters were on the same page with PML-N, and as long as that continued, the government would face no immediate threats.
Regarding the recent agreement with PML-N, he said PML-N had requested time until January 20 to fulfil its commitments to PPP.
PPP can go for new alliances, while PTI founding chairman Imran Khan’s position on an alliance with PPP has been unambiguous, the idea of removing PML-N from power to create a neutral political setup is still an enticing option.
Well-placed sources have revealed that the establishment, shifting from its previous stance, is now adopting a more neutral approach towards engaging with PTI. The change in the establishment’s position has left PML-N uneasy, as it had hoped to dismantle PTI for its involvement in the May 9 riots.
PML-N leaders have openly opposed any engagement with PTI, believing that any political relaxation for PTI would signal the end of PML-N’s government.
However, those in the know claim that despite international pressure, no concessions will be made to PTI or its imprisoned founder until the very last moment.
The animosity against Imran Khan is reportedly at such a level that the powers that be are prepared to stand firm, even in the face of international opposition. While it’s possible that the PML-N government could be offered up as a “sacrificial lamb” if international pressure surpasses the resistance threshold, the sources believe that for now, the government remains safe.