BESIDES the PML-N, the PPP is in jitters to see the PTI gaining more political grounds. The Larkana rally, in which Imran Khan stopped short of chanting ‘Go Zardari Go’, is a potential threat to the PPP’s only stronghold – rural Sindh.

Utterly failing to deliver to the voters, the PPP has resorted to using war of words against religious extremism, with its traditional mantra of playing victim.

The strategy of launching Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari as a crusader against terrorists and religious extremists is doing little to boost the party’s ever-dwindling image.

As everybody knows that when the PPP’s own governor, Salmaan Taseer was under fire from the extremists, the entire PPP’s top leadership remained tight-lipped and none came to issue even a statement in the support of their governor, or in the support of Sherry Rehman.

Now Bilawal is seen and heard fiercely attacking religious extremists and terrorists because they are on the constant retreat owing to the army operation against them.

If the PPP does not confront religious extremism along with giving importance to the common man instead of feudal lords and the elite, the PTI or any other force will gain more ground.

Gulsher Panhwer

Johi

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2014