The opposition seems to have resolved its internal differences, at least for the time being. It is now determined to take the government head-on both inside the Parliament and in the streets. The opposition may not be able to bring down the PTI administration, but is likely to keep the latter on its toes during the remainder of its tenure.
The PPP wanted a no-confidence move against the government to be the first move; the PML(N) and JUI(F) wanted resignations, at least from the National Assembly. It took nearly six hours to strike a consensus. Further discussion on both the sticking points was postponed till after the Senate elections. As these elections are not far away, the differences could re-emerge soon.
Meanwhile there are enough common issues to keep the parties together. The opposition alliance is on one page over fielding joint candidates in the Senate elections. All the PDM components want the accounts related to the PTI’s foreign funding case to be made public. The alliance has also unanimously rejected the formation of the Broadsheet Inquiry Commission. The Opposition has vowed to continue its protests against the conduct of the National Assembly Speaker and the Senate Chairman and not to cooperate with them in running the proceedings of the two Houses at any cost. Unless the ruling party learns to treat the opposition as an important partner in legislation rather than an enemy, the Parliament will remain dysfunctional for all intents and purposes.
The long march has been named “Mehngai March” to invest it with immediate relevance and attract all those who are affected by rising prices. It was also decided to join and support the government employees’ protest next week to convey a message to all disgruntled sections of society that they can rely on the PDM for help.
The long march is an attempt at a countrywide mobilization against the government. On March 26 caravans of marchers will proceed from all the provinces to converge on Islamabad, with leaders delivering speeches at important towns on the way. The opposition alliance needs to ensure that the marchers remain peaceful while one expects that the government would avoid doing anything that may cause provocation.
