Governments often face serious challenges in the final phase of their tenure as the public becomes wary of their claims to honour election commitments. The opposition parties also used the economic situation and dwindling clout to once again reunite against the PTI government.
It was a rare sight to see PPP and PML-N leadership together agreeing to use all options to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan. Both parties had a strained relationship after the PPP quit the PDM alliance over the issue of mass resignations from assemblies and the inability to hold a decisive long march. Perhaps it was the frustrations over the inability to dislodge the government that has brought them closer again.
The luncheon at Shehbaz Sharif’s residence to discuss their move for a common cause proved to be an ice breaker. Both parties seem serious in bringing a no-confidence move. But what exactly is different this time around? The opposition is perhaps banking on the support of disgruntled PTI allies or expecting that the government will not have the support it wielded last time.
Both PPP and PML-N have announced separate long marches on Islamabad which shows that there is still a difference of opinion. The role of PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is still not clear and a strategy is yet to be evolved. What is certain is that Nawaz Sharif has greenlighted the no-confidence plan and all opposition parties are ready to use all legal and constitutional options.
The government seems unconcerned over the meeting. The opposition has failed in providing a concrete course of action. It has faced an embarrassment in parliament as bills were passed despite having a majority. The failure to oust the prime minister last year and resign from assemblies last year dealt a blow. The masses, who are more concerned over rising prices, also seem disinterested in the move.
It is perhaps the timing that has grouped the opposition together. The parties are upbeat after recent gains in local government elections and want to continue the momentum. But under the present circumstances, it is highly unlikely to push for in-house change. The opposition wants to reinvigorate and redeem itself before the next elections as the probability of seeing the PTI back in power continues to hound them.
