The Pakistan Democratic Movement held another rally after a months-long hiatus on Saturday. The power show in Faisalabad featured leaders of the alliance without PPP, as it has been since the major split took place in April.
The gathering in Faisalabad and the PDM’s resurgence are an indicator of the alliance seeing an opportunity to put pressure on the government. Right now, the opposition potentially has weapons to use, as indicated by the speeches on Saturday. The price hike, the Pandora Papers and subsequent dent in the government’s accountability credentials are all ammunition against the ruling party’s regime.
With PPP hosting its own power show in Karachi on Sunday, it is clear that political parties are sensing that the pressure can be put on the government in the coming days. But the opposition should have learnt from its mistakes. For the government to feel the heat, the attack must be sustained and consistent. This means that one rally or two will not make a difference, the street mobilisation will have to continue. However, a glaring oversight by the opposition is its lack of focus on the parliament. Sessions should be regularly attended and laws vociferously argued against, all while carrying out constructive debates on how best to resolve the many issues being faced by the citizens.
Though it is facing a few setbacks, the government is not really facing a crisis. There is still a long time to go before the next elections but this does not mean that political parties will not begin their campaign season as early as possible. In this, the advantage always lies with the sitting government, as it can provide tangible positives to the people to strengthen its case for a return.
The asks from the government remain the same. Deliver on promises made, reduce prices and make the economic situation perceivably better.
Though it is facing a few setbacks, the government is not really facing a crisis. There is still a long time to go before the next elections but this does not mean that political parties will not begin their campaign season as early as possible. In this, the advantage always lies with the sitting government, as it can provide tangible positives to the people to strengthen its case for a return.
Public opinion is fickle and actual progress in terms of growth can even sometimes take a backseat compared to more immediate issues such as inflation. If the PTI can work on resolving these issues effectively, the rallies might not translate into any real pressure. Otherwise, the ruling party might have a fight on its hands in the latter half of its tenure.
