Upon his return, the last thing Nawaz Sharif wants to see are thousands of flags — red, green and black, blithely waving in the wind — celebratory political slogans piercing the air, and political activists swarming the streets of Pakistan. Unfortunately for the government, media’s frenzy over political activities has arrested the attention of millions. Having said that, Sharif isn’t blissfully ignorant; on the contrary, he is one who has weathered many storms and who believes in exploring all his options to avert a crisis. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has been like a cat on hot bricks ever since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) joined hands, and began their political affair on the Panama issue. The PML-N had sincerely hoped that the PPP was exploring its political bargaining options with no strings attached; however, as days turned into weeks, the PPP appeared more and more committed: the beginning of an opposition romance. It is tragic that those who fall in love are privy to heartbreak; the PML-N knows it must act cool, calm and collected, and create a rift in order to successfully dismantle the relationship of the opposition. The PML-N is well aware that it cannot penetrate the moral armour of the PTI; however, the PPP like many political parties is fallible, and an attractive deal is likely to sway its loyalty. Therefore, it would be wiser for the government to entice the PPP with an offer they can’t refuse, compelling them to abandon the PTI. Behind closed doors options are listed, demands are voiced, and eventually, a mutually benefitting arrangement may take form. But is it really as simple as that? The PPP could certainly deflate the verve of street agitation, and perhaps save the PML-N leadership from being publicly compromised, or more importantly, escorted out of the political domain. The PPP puppeteer is most certainly studying the political scenario in great depth from beyond the borders, brutally aware that he is unlikely to benefit from street agitation. The PPP has almost been routed in Punjab, and even if they are successful in toppling the government they are far from being prepared for a win in a general election. Moreover, he may be hesitant to ride the wave of an accountability process across the board post the Panama leaks. He would not open the door to the skeletons in his closet just to see those sitting in Nawaz Sharif’s. This would make the PML-N’s initial assessment correct, that PPP’s flirtatious behaviour with its fellow opposition party was merely done to attract government’s attention towards its political power by raising the stakes. The live-and-let-live arrangement was somewhat breached when the PPP suffered some strong blows: the Ayyan Ali money laundering case; arrest of Dr Asim; investigation of other key PPP leaders; and lastly, the firm grip of Rangers in Karachi. Ironically, government is incapable of addressing these issues, as they are far beyond its political reach. This is perhaps the reason the PPP leadership has allowed a public affair with the PTI to prolong, a tactic that gives the boss enough time to deliberate what sort of deals he can strike and with who. All could be rainbows and butterflies for the PPP if they attempt to smoothen the creases with the establishment and have pardon their previous behaviour pardoned. Though the establishment has extensive power to offer greater relief than the government, but who can say they want to negotiate a deal at all? The current establishment appears to have a zero tolerance policy with regard to corruption, corrupt practices, and facilitation of terrorists. Therefore, a positive reaction forthcoming to the PPP is unlikely. It is certainly a head-scratcher, let’s hope a falafel platter and a glass of camel milk makes it easier to evaluate political options. The constant media hype fuels the demand for a post-Panama accountability process, and coupled with threats of street power demonstration, all that is taxing on the PML-N leadership. Was Sharif sitting far away from home healing? Pondering to have a solution to his multiple problems? Be it Imran Khan’s rigid political stance, the critical timing of Tahir-ul-Qadri’s return, Bilawal Bhutto-Zradari’s constant aggressive hammering, and being not on the same page with the establishment, the PML-N would be destined to approach a dead end if appropriate answers to the questions raised on Panama leaks are not given. Those who rub shoulders with Sharif have advised him to “appease” the establishment by being on the same page; according them this may help him achieve his goal to vapourise the entire political unrest caused by the Panama Papers. That said, what is the likelihood of the establishment welcoming such a deal from the PML-N? Especially given the current political uproar, followed by Sharif’s televised public pledge to the people of Pakistan, for across the board accountability to begin the from the top, the establishment is unlikely to become a party to a deal in which the public is snubbed by any intervening settlement. The chief of army staff has become a beacon of hope during excruciatingly testing times. A public hero, he has a passion for uplifting the nation’s morale, and it would be unthinkable for him to quash it. It is certainly a mouthful to swallow, but Sharif must kick-start his political charisma and get his head back in the game. He has had the unprecedented privilege and honour of serving as Pakistan’s prime minister thrice, and with this service comes a wealth of experience and public adoration. Leaders of his stature lead from the front and should not be dependent on any covert deals. He must instruct his ToR team members to honour his public pledge, and orchestrate a revolution in Pakistani politics by introducing a zero tolerance policy on corruption, tax evasion and loan write-offs across the arena. Nawaz Sharif holds the key to political stability, and proving his innocence would not only strengthen his position but it would also silence those obstructing smooth governance. The writer is a media professional, and can be reached at ybmirza@gmail.com