Daily Times

Last ten days of August has significantly changed the landscape in Pakistan politics as former president Asif Ali Zardari stands exonerated from the last reference against him in NAB and on the very same day NAB finalised home work against Nawaz Sharif for filing reference in the light of Panama Verdict.

In this regard press conference held by former President Zardari where he discussed his eventual acquittal from all the NAB references and also expressed his party position in ongoing fiasco which is worth analysing. One can differ from his political wrong doings but it can be said without any doubt that the way he faced his cases throughout these years especially his eleven year in prison are highly commendable. And its significance get more eminent in current circumstances as his prime political opponent Nawaz Sharif is vehemently protesting on NAB references going to open against his financial embezzlements.

Zardari’s presser can be analysed in bi-dimensional manner. On one end, he postured to reinvigorate his party supporters and voters primarily in Punjab who considered him a political liability for PPP in general elections. In this regard, doing presser from Islamabad instead of Bilawal House Karachi or Larkana has a message for his own party factions lay off their apprehensions for coming elections.

On the other hand, he has also opened avenues for various political possibilities in current conflicting situation where Nawaz Sharif, deposed head of government and PMLN, is openly criticizing other state institutions. All the years, Zardari has been accused by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) of friendly opposition and extending olive branch to PMLN in their time of crises but immature PTI quarters due to lack of political ripeness are unaware that being in opposition does not only mean to topple the government all the time but to act wisely and play constructive role in legislation process.

Such political sagacity has always been expected from PPP and they have proved it to the optimum especially in Islamabad Sit in 2014. Same favours are still being expected after the final verdict of Panama case by PMLN which has postured to amend clauses in articles 62 and 63 ironically put in by their chief mentor and patron General Zia.

Giving unconditional consent to PMLN in the current scenario is akin to offering them a piece of cake while demanding the administrative division of Punjab from the political and bureaucratic elite of the province. In other words its tantamount to demanding a pound of flesh

But this time Zardari has taken categorical stance on this amendment issue and opined that it is mandate of the next assembly to decide about such alterations. Being the leading opposition party in parliament, PPP along with the other parties should plan out strategy for grand political bargain with new provinces topping the list. Administrative division of Punjab in at least three zones ie Northern, Central and Southern Punjab has always been demanded by political parties from Saraiki belt and also crucial need of an hour. In current scenario where all parties are gearing up for upcoming general elections PPP will have a trump card to attract their lost constituencies in Punjab.

Giving unconditional consent to PMLN in current scenario deems offering piece of cake to them but demanding administrative division of Punjab from the political and bureaucratic elite of Punjab would tantamount to demanding pound of flesh from PMLN. Now Mr Zardari, Imran Khan and their respective parties with all their political and statecraft acumen should sit together and strategise for this demand in exchange of amendment in constitution as desired by ruling party. And bring back Articles 62 and 63 in its original form as per 1973 constitution.

Such political dialogue and its implementation in letter and spirit will have a satisfying impact on our parliamentary/democratic culture which is still in its infancy stage. There is general (mis)perception that opposition and treasury benches are all always at dragger drawn and cannot be united on any critical issue other than their perks and privileges. Such initiative will not only give political millage to all political parties but also help to promote positive image of parliamentary democracy where opposition and treasury benches would be showing cooperation for the benefits of the common masses.

The writer, freelancer, is Public Administration graduate from University of the Punjab Lahore. He can be reached at saudzafar5@gmail.com

Published in Daily Times, September 12^th 2017.