IN a series of recent political gatherings in Punjab, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has been advocating for the burial of the ‘politics of vendetta’ that has long scarred our political landscape. His appeals may resonate with voters who are weary of the never-ending political strife in the country, but are, essentially, part of a poll strategy to shore up support for his own party that has lost its national moorings over the years, and is now confined to Sindh. The PPP chairman’s overtures to PTI supporters, interspersed with his critical view of the PML-N’s governance, underscore an astute realisation: the path to strengthening PPP’s footing outside Sindh necessitates winning over to his side those who might be too demoralised to vote after the crackdown on the PTI. By positioning the PML-N as a common foe and publicly deploring the politics of division and hatred, Mr Bhutto-Zardari wants to be seen as steering his party towards constructive engagement. This strategy may appear politically shrewd at the moment, but will it work, given that the PPP was very much a part of the events that brought down the PTI government in 2022? In fact, Mr Bhutto-Zardari’s censure of the PML-N’s economic mismanagement and governance failures invites a reflective gaze upon the PPP’s own tenures. It is imperative for his party to look inwards and address the critiques of its past administrations. Promises to establish a ‘truth and reconciliation’ forum and pledges to redirect resources towards the marginalised are all high-sounding. But given the PPP’s long record of poor governance and political games — which, admittedly, all parties have played — it remains to be seen how many will be convinced by such rhetoric.

Indeed, as politicians embark upon the campaign trail, all of them would do well to introspect. Poor governance, the temptation for parties to exact their pound of flesh, and the resort to currying favour with those outside the political realm have increasingly come to dominate the landscape. The journey ahead should be one that aims to redefine Pakistani politics by scripting a pro-people narrative. The very fact that no major party has announced its election manifesto shows how far behind they are in that task. Poll strategies and soothing words may attract attention, but will not be enough to convince a tired electorate that is fast losing faith in politics.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2024