KARACHI, Oct 14: The emphatic anti-regime and anti-American policy vote, particularly in the NWFP and Balochistan, has not only divided the country on these lines, it has also created a dilemma for power-brokers, who are skeptical about a sustainable coalition at the centre, though a hung parliament was not unpredictable.
Spin doctors are finding it very difficult to clear the mist of confusing perceptions upon which the power structure was envisaged before elections.
The MMA, which contested the elections from a platform which was opposed to the US-led policies, vis-a-vis Afghanistan, Palestine, Kashmir and American-led operations inside Pakistani territory, is certain to form governments in the NWFP and Balochistan. It is likely to hold the balance in the Senate as well, where the ruling party is perhaps going to be in a minority.
It would be naive to stick to the perception that the MMA’s success was owing to “official input” alone. May be there was some “assistance” but to expect that the official spin-doctors would allow them to muster such a success just to embarrass the Americans, cannot be swallowed, because it could also become a handicap for the regime.
It was also misplaced because the Americans are also not so naive. In true sense, it symbolises not anti-Americanism but rejection of its current policies.
The PML(Q), which stood on the right side of the regime certainly in Punjab, seems ready to absorb many ministers of Musharraf regime to carry on his legacy.
The Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian also contested the elections from a platform which was opposed to the regime’s constitutional amendments and other domestic policies, but was not vocal on certain policy issues. However, the vote for PPP also manifested the rejection of government’s overall polices, and it is to be seen how its leaders will articulate aspirations of the people who voted for them in the formation of the government. The PPP has to be careful on ignoring the aspiration of a majority of the Pakistanis, against the American-led policie.
While PPP, MMA and PML(Q) are sending signals for formation of a government in Islamabad, an agreement at the centre would have a direct bearing on a government in Sindh where status quo powers were trying to deprive PPP and other liberal forces of the right to form a government.
Pro-regime entities have claimed they were in a position to form a government in Sindh by including MQM, MMA in the constellation of PML(F), SDA, independents, etc., to deny the PPP a chance to form the government.
Amid such a background hectic behind the scene contacts have been established between PPP and MMA on the one hand and PPP and the MQM on the other. Much would depend on the response of the MMA and the MQM. Whether they would like to be part of those who in the past facilitated centre’s creeping interference at the cost of Sindh’s rights and sufferings for the MQM, or would they prefer to build on an edifice of an egalitarian polity.
According to sources, MMA’s Prof Ghafoor Ahmed and others met PPP’s N.D. Khan and others and discussed various issues. Primarily these talks were to iron out differences on constitutional matters, NFC and Senate composition where it would not be possible to get the pro-government laws passed.
Meanwhile, the MQM is discussing its future strategy in yet another post-election meetings. Its deputy convener, Aftab Shaikh, replied in the affirmative when asked if there has been any contact between PPP and MQM.
He said Makhdoom Amin Fahim has expressed desire to meet the MQM leadership.
Asked about the future course, he said by and large the view was that the party should not join the government. But he added that everything will be discussed in the meeting.
According to PPP sources, Nisar Khuhro and others, were in contact with the MQM leadership and talks may be held at any time. At this juncture, Sindh needs a liberal forward-looking government and some analysts believe that the PPP and MQM, with their respective followings in the province could provide that framework, only if they gave up their past tactics.
The MQM must realise that despite its allegations of stuffing of ballot by the rivals, it has genuinely lost ground, because of the failure of its cadre to address the problems in many constituencies. It must learn lessons from the past and isolate the hardliners.
Similarly for the PPP, it is also important to stage a comeback in the urban settlements by building bridges of understanding with those who have stakes here and work for the welfare of the city dwellers.
It is necessary for attracting foreign investment, generating job opportunities and improving quality of life by ensuring a lasting peace in the cities.
While Ms Bhutto had not ruled out the possibility of cooperation with the MQM, without any preconditions, the MQM must also realise its responsibilities. It may be bitter pill to swallow, but both PPP and MQM must do it for the sake of the people they failed to serve 100 per cent. If they miss the bus, the MMA, which has also shown the ability to moderate its stance, will be waiting in the wings.