The rift continues to widen between the PDM. The opposition alliance has already announced the postponement of the much-awaited long march and the PPP rejected the proposal of en masse resignation from assemblies, placing the future of PDM in jeopardy.
The PPP has convened a meeting on April 4 – when it commemorates the death anniversary of Z.A. Bhutto – to decide the option of resignation. It seems unlikely that the PPP will decide to resign and provide a rollover to the PTI particularly in Sindh. The situation has moved beyond as PDM Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is considering moving ahead even without the PPP.
The PML-N and JUI-F have not much to lose after resigning from the assemblies. The PPP, on the other hand, is the second largest party in Senate and has the Sindh government. The long march at this point is unlikely to bring the desired results let alone the political and logistical challenges. With the holy month of Ramazan approaching and the upcoming summers, it is unlikely that the combined opposition will be in a position to take over the capital anytime soon.
The PDM is also facing a rift over dislodging the Punjab government. Hamza Shehbaz, the leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly, seems in no mood to file a vote of no confidence against Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. The ouster of Buzdar could bring in a more powerful chief minister who could increase the woes of the Sharif family. This has been the main sticking in the PDM huddle and places him at loggerheads with the Maryam Nawaz.
The PDM is also indecisive over the next Leader of Opposition in Senate. The PML-N wants to bring its candidate much to PPP’s dismay. The defeat of Yousaf Raza Gilani in Chairman Senate election has changed the situation as the PPP now wants the position. PML-N’s choice of Azam Tarar is also controversial as he is the lawyer for the police officers in Benazir Bhutto trial. The PDM is embroiled in a rift and cannot seem to get out of it.
This has provided much needed relief to the prime minister who sees no threat from the opposition after winning the vote of confidence. The opposition is certainly weakened and will seriously need reconsideration before it can challenge the government again.
