Despite mounting criticism from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chief Imran Khan and all kinds of rumors about the “uncertain” future of the civilian government, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is moving ahead unfazed.
Rumors about differences between Sharif, the army and the ISI are doing the rounds in the country. It is said that Khan has been pushed by intelligence agencies to start a crusade against the Sharif-led government. However, no tangible evidence is available to support such theories.
Khan is demanding a recount of votes in four Lahore constituencies. After a passage of one year, his party has once again gained momentum and has successfully held impressive rallies in major cities of the Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa and Punjab provinces to mobilize people against the government.
Some insiders claim that those rallies were the result of the tacit support extended by former ISI Chief Gen. Shuja Pasha. Although Pasha is no longer in office, it is still said that some “other” forces are still pulling the PTI’s strings.
Not much importance could be attached to veteran politician Sheikh Rashid who sees the government’s exit in the next three months, but the latest statement from seasoned politician Chaudhry Shujaat that the government is on its way out, does ring the bell.
However, talks about some change or a possible military takeover at this stage can only be termed as wishful thinking. Except for peace and security, the government is taking all possible steps to address public issues and has succeeded to some extent.
A misadventure, which has often halted progress in Pakistan, is out of question at this point in time. Sharif feels relaxed because of backing from international donors and rapid developments in most parts of the country. His India’s visit and 50-minute talks with Narender Modi, may not have yielded the desired results. But the main opposition Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is backing Sharif, saying results should not be expected after one meeting or so.
However, Sharif is being accused of ignoring the opposition parties and failing to take the Parliament into confidence on his sensitive visit.
