The rumour mills are once again buzzing that PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz is leaving the country. At least three federal ministers have claimed that Maryam has filed a request to receive permission to go abroad, claiming she needs to undergo a minor operation that is not performed in Pakistan.
The government seems in no mood to entertain her request and the prime minister has flatly rejected it. He said Maryam can continue her ongoing anti-government campaign but will have to live in the country. However, Maryam has hinted that she will not request the government to strike her name off the ECL which implies that she will approach the courts which could make the final decision.
The government faced a major embarrassment when Nawaz Sharif was allowed to go abroad on the pretext of seeking medical treatment and never returned back. Instead, he launched a massive protest movement and slammed state institutions. Efforts to bring him back made no progress and the government took the drastic decision to not renew his passport which has limited the options for him but he is unlikely to return anytime soon.
After being smitten earlier by Nawaz’s deception, the government seems in no mood to hand over the same request for Maryam. The question arises on why she wants to abandon the PDM mid-way and dash off abroad. The opposition alliance took an about-turn and decided to contest the Senate elections and also fielded separate candidates rather than a joint strategy. Maryam Nawaz is disillusioned that the goals of the PDM to oust the government are working and wants an exit strategy.
The future of the PDM is also uncertain despite announcing a long march to Islamabad after the Senate polls. If Maryam leaves, it would certainly be the death knell for the alliance which is unlikely to achieve its objectives under MaulanaFazlurRehman or continue the rhetoric against the government. Maryam thinks Punjab has been orphaned without the presence of Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif. It is rather the PML-N that is rudderless without their presence. Although the prime minister is adamant to not allow Maryam to leave the country, it could hand him a lifeline if the opposition alliance collapses and his most fierce critic is silenced.
