While the PDM has yet to decide next week whether it wants to go for a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister and the National Assembly Speaker, alarm bells are already ringing in the PTI’s top echelon. Unsure of the fidelity of its legislators who are to cast votes for the Senate elections next month, the government is already knocking at the Supreme Court’s door to allow the casting of open ballots. The government’s worries are by no means unfounded in view of the reservations expressed by PTI legislators about its performance at the parliamentary party’s meeting on Wednesday
The PM, Imran Khan, who is used to hectoring others, was made to receive an earful on rising prices, his government’s failure to fulfill its promises and unwillingness to extend accountability to cabinet members, advisors and special assistants. While the government seems to have mended bridges with the PML(Q), the MQM expressed displeasure over the delay in implementation of the Rs1.1 trillion Karachi Transformation Plan, which is meant to address basic civic issues in the metropolis.
The outburst led an otherwise inaccessible Mr Khan to agree to hold meetings with MNAs in groups to redress their grievances. The MQM was assured that the Karachi plan is already in the works. Keeping in view the MQM’s sensitivities over the last census results, a CCI meeting scheduled for putting its stamp on the exercise was postponed. Going back on his election campaign rhetoric against giving development funds directly to the MNAs because it amounted to promoting corruption, the PM announced Rs 500 million for every MNA and MPA to ensure their loyalty. It was yet another victory of realpolitik over a feigned idealism
After making the announcements the PM assured the parliamentarians that the PDM was dead as a dodo after it failed to bring people to streets despite hectic efforts. While there may be rivalries and differences over tactics within the PDM, it remains united over the issue of removing the PTI government and ensuring civilian supremacy in the country. As long as the government fails to provide relief to the people and is widely seen to be selected, it would be premature to write the opposition alliance’s obituary.
