What is different today from 2002 is that the MMA no longer has on its side the international and local narrative and political realities.

The war in Afghanistan cannot mobilise Pakistani voters, while the emergence of forces like the PTI, TLP and others has added to the competition, which might hamper its chances in Karachi, for example.

Nor is the MMA in a position to promise sectarian harmony as its earlier incarnations had tried.

Last but not the least, the MMA's performance when in government was not praiseworthy either, making it difficult for voters to take the party seriously this time.

At best, the alliance can only hope for marginal gains in the 2018 elections.

Read the in-depth analysis on the rise and fall of the MMA here.