It is certainly the end of the road for the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). The PPP has decided not to resign from assemblies and instead contest the Senate elections, contrary to the earlier stance of the multi-party opposition alliance which is determined to send the government packing.
The PPP’s decision is not unexpected as it was hesitant in not contesting the elections from the outset. Its fears that the PTI would gain a majority and could target the landmark 18th Amendment, which the PPP considered as its greatest achievement. The PPP was also reluctant in an all-out confrontation with the establishment in sharp contrast to Maryam Nawaz and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman who left no qualms in targeting state institutions.
The PPP deliberated over the decision to resign from assemblies and eventually decided to collect them and also challenge the government in the Senate elections. This contravenes the PDM’s decision to collect all resignations and submit them before the elections in its bid to oust Imran Khan’s government. The prime minister has vowed that resignations will be submitted immediately if submitted and the government will not accept any pressure.
The proposed long march also seems put on hold, for now at least, as the PPP wants Nawaz Sharif to return and lead the rally. It is unlikely that the PML-N supremo would return anytime soon and thus, the grand strategy to march to Islamabad is unlikely to take place. Shehbaz Sharif on the contrary favours dialogue with the government. If he is released, then it could mark the death knell for the PDM if he accepts the dialogue offer. The PML-N has also not managed to collect all resignations as many party leaders have sided with him.
With the PPP backing out, Maryam Nawaz and Maulana Fazlur Rehman will be more isolated and the PDM will gradually lose steam. The JUI-F chief is embroiled in legal issues as NAB has sent him a questionnaire which was returned undelivered. The anti-graft watchdog could soon take action against him. He is expected to face defections and several expelled party leaders have decided to form their own party and have openly challenged him.
This decision could embolden Prime Minister Imran Khan who already does not seem to face any pressure from the opposition. While the PDM would continue its protests, it is unlikely to have any impact on the government. It needs to be seen if other parties particularly PML-N would follow the PPP and take an about-turn and move ahead with the resignations.
