Pakistan to elect new Prime Minister
Pakistan’s Parliament is scheduled to elect its new leader
of the house or prime minister on 5th June. The three proposed names are that
of Mian Nawaz Sharif of PML-N, Makhdoom
Amin Fahim of PPP and Makhdoom Javed Hashmi of PTI.
Election of PML-N’s Ayaz Sadiq and Murtaza Javed Abbasi to
the posts of speaker and deputy speaker of the assembly respectively has
already set the stage and filing of nominations by PPP and PTI members seem a
ritual. In fact this may be an exhibition of strengths held by the three
leading parties. MQM’s decision to support PML-N has added additional weight to
Mian Sahib, who already enjoys simple majority in the house.
Some of the critics say that filing of nominations papers by
PPP and PTI is not a good omen because the country needed a consensus leader of
the house who enjoys complete support on issues facing the country, worst being
stopping drone attacks and overcoming energy crisis.
Many of the political pundits were little confused when MQM
decided to sit on opposition benches but extending support to Mian Sahib
clearly shows that the party wishes to sail in two boats simultaneously.
It also confirms the conspiracy theory that MQM just can’t
afford to sit on opposition benches.
However, extending support to Mian Sahib can pose some serious
problems for MQM in Sindh, where PPP is all set to form the government.
Another conspiracy theory is that extending support to Mian
Sahib is part of the grand plan to retain the present governor of Sindh in the
office. This deal can save Mian Sahib from a possible embarrassment of governor
Sindh not ready to receive the elected prime minister at Karachi airport.
While some political pundits say that supporting Mian Sahib
does not bode well for MQM, others say that supporting Mian Sahib is the only
way to avoid operation against the party.
One can still recall Mian Sahib had said in the past, “If I
come into power I will establish military courts in Sindh”. Even at that time
it was taken as a potential threat for MQM because such operations were not
aimed at rounding up PPP or ANP activists.
Some of the critics say that Mian Sahib has accepted the NP
proposed person as Chief Minister of Balochistan just to avoid confrontation.
Following the same strategy Mian Sahib may also concede to some of the demands
of MQM Just to maintain peace and tranquility in Sindh, the life line of
Pakistan.
The history shows MQM enjoys enough power to bring Karachi to
grinding halt at the shortest notice. It is clear that if MQM opt for this confrontation
with the PML-N, it will also be joined by PPP and ANP to bring the party
enjoying the largest mandate under pressure.
It is not only the residents of Karachi but the entire
Pakistan that wants peace to be maintained in the city so that economy of the
country can be put on track. Keeping the city normal is also a must for
ensuring collection of taxes. Karachi continues to contribute nearly 75 per
cent of the total tax. Similarly suspension of activities at two ports of
Karachi can cause disruption in the movement of import/export consignments.