News Analysis |
In wake of Imran’s win on July 25 elections-which opposition parties’ term as selection has put all the opposition parties on one page. This uncanny and now most likely alliance looks certain to challenge Imran’s next government in a big way.
PPP has ensured to play a part in democratic evolution, it remains to be seen that how would the rest of the opposition act to build democratic institutions.
After the initial rhetoric to discredit and completely reject the election results in All Parties Conference (APC), political parties have mellowed down on their rigid position. Despite Maulana Fazal –ur Rehman’s hard-talk in presence of old, experienced, seasoned and veterans political leaders, political parties have slowly alluded him.
Though, the Alliance of defeated parties/politicians managed to form a so-called grand opposition alliance, but, failed on the next hurdle of boycotting the elections. Nevertheless, they have shown unity to challenge the legitimacy of the PTI’s win and are ready to take the case to the parliament.
Read more: Imran Khan summoned by NAB for ‘misusing’ KP government’s helicopters
One thing is certain it will re-energise parliamentary politics which was ignored in the last term.  In the last term, PTI and PPP failed to play a role of a worthy and effective opposition.
Bilawal Bhutto and Hamza Shehbaz Sharif have indicated that both PPP and PML-N are gearing up to give a united challenge in the next term. Besides, the presence of MMA along with the two bigwigs would certainly put the house on fire. If Imran led government would fail to avert the economic crises facing the country, this formidable opposition could make the going difficult for PTI.
In the PPP era, PML-N played a soft and non-existing opposition and did not show any inclination towards the parliamentary affairs. PPP returned the favor in PML-N’s last term and mostly remained adrift.
Political commentators and analysts criticized PTI for ridiculing the parliament house and boycotting the parliament for a prolonged period of time. Initially, Imran had indicated the PTI would act as an exemplary opposition, but party preferred to pursue its politics largely outside the parliament on roads.
Despite Maulana Fazal –ur Rehman’s hard-talk in presence of old, experienced, seasoned and veterans political leaders, political parties have slowly alluded him.
Nevertheless, at times, it’s senior leaders like Asad Umar and Shah Mehmood Qureshi did show a robust performance as an opposition party. But, consistency remained a question for the party.
Going forward, it appears that Shehbaz Sharif will emerge as opposition leader and Bilawal may play a second fiddle to him in the parliament. Both the parties will challenge the government over Election Day rigging and will demand a transparent investigation into the so-called selection and a fraud, committed on the behest of the military establishment.
Read more: Khan’s party claims majority to form Pakistan govt after coalition talks
PML-N and PPP are looking to use the suitable platform to push the next government up to a point to resolve their issue. Imran made it clear in his victory speech that he would co-operate with all the parties over the Election Day digging allegations.
Imran Khan has a number of challenges including economic crises, water shortages, poverty, law and order, political stability and widespread inequality in the society. Imran has won the election over the promise of change. The change in the future is only possible if the system gets a complete overhaul and revamp.
PTI government will have to come out of this initial onslaught from opposition to implement its reform agenda. PPP has ensured to play a part in democratic evolution, it remains to be seen that how would the rest of the opposition act to build democratic institutions.
PTI government will have to come out of this initial onslaught from opposition to implement its reform agenda. PPP has ensured to play a part in democratic evolution, it remains to be seen that how would the rest of the opposition performs, to build democratic institutions.