Stranded PML(Q) or PML(N)?

Twenty three days into 2007, and it seems like we are experiencing a 'deja vu.' Both, Benazir and Nawaz have finally parted ways as elections comes nearer. This occurs due to the fact that Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto has decided not to attend the All Parties conference.

Well, it was imminent that PPP had to take a clear stance on their position and enlighten the awam (masses) that some sort of back-door diplomacy is underway. All of a sudden, the corridoors of powers are becoming noisy. In other words, it not only the PML(N) of Nawaz feeling the heat. That is because they have nothing to lose with Nawaz Sharif not allowed to return to the country at all. However, It is PML(Q) which is starting to feel that they are losing ground. In my opinion, its not the ground that they are losing. Its actually the umbrella above their head, which is being moved by Sadr Sahib, General Pervez Musharraf, to the PPP camp. Being an ardent supporter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, I believe that these elections will not effect Pakistan as much as it will effect the setup in Pakistan Peoples Party.

Chairperson for life, Benazir Bhutto, will slowly but eventually lose her seat as the leading player in the party. I think that if General Musharraf plays all his cards right, he can influence the PPP leadership minus BB to bring a change. After all, how loyal can the Makhdooms be? And, it is not about loyalty anymore. It is more about the right of the senior party workers in the PPP who have worked hard enough to deserve this government. They have been consistently working over the last couple of years to gain support from the masses. Therefore, if BB decides to back out of the elections in case she is not provided a safe passage way to enter Pakistan then there is a chance that a change may start to evolve. This time I think the central committee of PPP is trying to work out a deal in which both parties are satisfied. That is only possible if BB remains the chairperson of her party. While, Makhdoom Amin Fahim is allowed to become the elected PM of the parliament with a simple majority (51 percent) in the parliament.

However, its the PML(Q) which is watching the show right now as mere spectators with nothing in their hands. Only time will tell if we will see another term of Chaudhary Shujaat's show. Or, if it will be the return of the slogan 'Roti, Kapra Aur Makan' (Food,Clothes and Shelter). Whatever the case, as stated earlier, these elections will have long term implications on the domestic structure of Pakistan. Therefore, let us 'the awam' sit back and watch because we are used to doing that for most of the last 59 years.