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The opposition’s much heralded no-confidence motion against the prime minister seems to be drifting away as the government had anticipated. The opposition claims to be united on moving ahead with the no-trust move but cannot seem to agree on the date or the future course of action. Meetings with the allied parties also seem to yield no significant result as the government tries to placate them.
As per media reports, the PPP and PML-N seemed to have a difference of opinion over the future course of action after the no-confidence motion is successful. The PPP wants a new prime minister and has agreed to give Shehbaz Sharif the coveted slot, while the PML-N wants snap elections. That remains a long way and already doubts are being raised if the motion will be brought forward, let alone succeed in ousting the government.
The political environment has been heating up ahead of the Local Government polls in Punjab, which could be a precursor to the next general elections. The prime minister is already holding rallies in Punjab ahead of the polls. The PTI has decided to start a mass contact campaign in Sindh later this month, in an attempt to gain some turf on the PPP’s stronghold. On the other hand, the PPP has also decided to launch a long march to Islamabad from Feb 27, the same day when the PTI marches across Sindh.
The government seems unfettered by the opposition’s yet another desperate attempt to topple it and has suggested it a tool to gain a deal. Will the no-confidence motion be used a bargaining chip remains to be seen. Shehbaz Sharif’s indictment in a money-laundering case is imminent and Nawaz seems to make to headway in paving a return back. Zardari and Bilawal also seem in no mood to hold immediate elections and would want to complete the parliamentary term.
The only person hopeful is PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman who is keeping all options open. The JUI-F lacks parliamentary support and Maulana might be once again become to the last man standing. It is been speculated the no-trust motion may not get to parliament and will instead be used as a political ploy by the opposition to redeem itself before the next elections.
