The division within the PML(N) between those supporting confrontation and the ones advocating conciliation would harm the party’s electoral prospects if not resolved urgently. Last year saw the stunning rise of the PDM with the PML(N)’s confrontationist lobby vowing to overthrow the PTI government and force the establishment to put an end to its interference in politics. After whipping up a political storm midway into Mr Imran Khan’s tenure, the PDM ran aground in the beginning of 2021. Meanwhile the tussle between the contradictory lines continued within the party. The action against PML(N) MNA Javed Latif saved the party unity for a while but it did not put an end to the strife. The two sides continue to interpret developments in totally different ways. Party President Shahbaz Sharif praised the establishment for being neutral during the Cantonment elections which he said led to the PML(N)’s victory in Punjab. Vice-President Maryam Nawaz on the other hand congratulated the party for its success despite a hostile establishment. Maryam dissociated herself, and by implication her father, from the “sin” of voting for the COAS’s extension last year. She was promptly contradicted by Punjab Opposition Leader Hamza Shahbaz who justified the decision in the larger national interest, claiming that it had the support of the party’s top leadership
The division has gone on too long. Initially denying it, everyone in the PML(N) now concedes that there are strong differences within the party. All currently agree on Nawaz Sharif as the court of final appeal. But as both sides continue to move in opposite directions, a time could come when things start falling apart with even Mr Sharif being unable to keep them together.
Mr Sharif seems to have finally agreed to retreat. Our only demand, he says, was implementation of the Constitution and rule of law in true spirit. If this is done through reconciliation, we have no problem. But as one goes through the fine print, one finds conditions like no army intervention in polls, no pre-election manipulations, no removal of elected governments and no role for the Army other than the one prescribed in the Constitution. The PML(N) faces a dilemma. While Mr Sharif alone can draw PML(N) voters, his confrontationist line could scare away many electables.
