KARACHI, Nov 8: The political situation brewing in the country three weeks after the general elections has proved that the leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party is more agile and articulate in playing its cards than rest of the parties.

This impression emerges from the ongoing developments in Islamabad which have forced the government to advance the date of holding the session of National Assembly by one week. However, without going into the intricacies of postponement of the session, it seems as if political process in Pakistan can not be carried forward without the PPP’s support.

There are many reasons that lead one to conclude this way on PPP’s emerging image. The most substantial development is that all sorts of manoeuvring for government formation have stalled all of a sudden and the focus has shifted to the ongoing behind the curtain talks between the government and the PPP on a possible deal aimed at the release of Asif Zardari, withdrawal of all cases against the former premier, Benazir Bhutto and her safe return to Pakistan.

The crucial negotiations have also held back the announcement of a tripartite agreement reached earlier among the PPP, MMA and ARD on a coalition at the Centre.

The deadlock on the coalition process both at the Centre and in the provinces had led to the delay in Senate elections originally scheduled for Nov 12.

Though, the PML-Q, MMA and ARD had constantly been claiming ever since the announcement of the Oct 10 elections, that they enjoyed the required support from their ‘allies’ to form a government, the ensuing developments have exposed their tall claims. So far, none of them or any other party or group has succeeded in proving its claim right.

The inordinate delay in finalizing a coalition, at least at the Centre, is instrumental in loosening grip of military rulers on the law and order besides shaking public faith in politicians.

This fast-changing political scenario has brought the role of Benazir Bhutto in limelight. In fact, the obtaining situation on political front is a manifestation of the success of the government’s ‘think tank’ widely accused of manipulating election results in order to give birth to a hung parliament and leaving every party in a position weaker enough to form a government on its own. Obviously, the parties or alliances with a good number of seats would have to seek others support for a simple majority in the House.

The purpose of such manipulation seems to be creating a situation where people’s attention could be diverted from the mind-boggling issues, like price hike, poverty, unemployment and, over and above, the of and on increase in the utility service charges. This situation could also help force the opposition to ratify the Legal Framework Order.

The call for the postponement of the National Assembly’s inaugural session has also served another purpose of the government. The politicians, demanding holding of elections and the revival democratic process in the country, have failed once again in doing their home work before hand to tackle the situation. They have also failed to work out some mutual arrangements that could help contain the political instability and put the democratic system on the reel.