By: Fakhra Sikander

In the 2018 election, these leaders were reportedly instructed to join the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, but rumours suggest they were directed elsewhere. Despite this, the supposed guiding of these leaders did not occur in Rajanpur after the death of Jaffer Leghari, who held the seat for the PTI.

The Leghari family, already divided, faced each other in this election. The PML-N ticket holder, the grandson of Farooq Leghari, was also a Leghari. Awais Leghari, the father of the candidate and a key member of the PML-N, added to the familial rift.

The PTI had the advantage of Jaffer Leghari’s popularity and its own widespread support, but in the lead-up to the election, it claimed to face immense pressure in the constituency. The party alleged that it was subjected to arrests, intimidation, and coercion to discourage its supporters. At the same time, its opponents enjoyed the backing of the provincial government and local administration. The recent by-election in Punjab, particularly in Rajanpur, has attracted close attention as it is known as the land of the electives, which can sway voters with their influence.

Despite rumours that local strongmen would guide voters towards other parties this time, the PTI won the election with over 50% of the votes, with the PML-N coming in second and the PPP far behind. This outcome indicates that the PML-N may be paying the price for taking over the government in April 2022. This may explain why some ministers justify a delay in the upcoming general election. However, clinging too closely to the establishment may not be a wise move for any political party in the long run.

While the PTI enjoys popular support, it continues to struggle with its relationship with the establishment. The road to Islamabad can only be travelled by those who have both popular support and approval from the establishment, and so far, no party has been able to achieve this without the other. Meanwhile, the country faces a worsening economic situation, with inflation and the risk of default looming. The power struggle among the establishment, political parties, and the judiciary have caused political instability and uncertainty, with some calling for a delay in the elections for restructuring and others insisting that elections cannot be delayed according to the Constitution or the mood on the streets. However, neither side has been able to provide a clear explanation for the delay in announcing the election date. The real crisis is the country’s inability to make decisions and resolve the issue of political instability. A decision needs to be made soon to end the time-wasting and anger-whipping.

In a recent by-election, PTI emerged victorious with over 50% of the polled vote, leaving PML-N in second place and PPP far behind in third. This outcome suggests that PPP has not come back in the province yet, and TLP did not fare well in the polls either.

The recurring by-elections highlight the cost that PML-N has paid for taking over the government in April 2022, leading to a perception that the party is apprehensive about elections. Some ministers have been advocating for a possible delay in elections, but this desire for the delay is not unique to PML-N.

It remains to be seen how PML-N will respond to this election outcome. They may dismiss it as a repeat of the 2018 election, which PTI also won. PML-N has been pushing a new narrative, the “gang of five,” but it is too early to judge its effectiveness.

However, PML-N was in a similar situation when it attacked the judiciary during the Panama scandal, resulting in the judges’ unity. It is unclear if things will be different this time, especially since the establishment has now switched sides. The upcoming proceedings in the elections in KP and Punjab may provide some insight.

The recent by-election results have again highlighted the ongoing power struggle between Pakistan’s political parties, the establishment, and the judiciary. The PTI emerged victorious, while the PML-N and PPP lagged. However, the PML-N’s fear of losing political ground has led to a creeping alliance with the establishment, repeating the same mistakes made by previous parties.

This instability has long-lasting consequences, as seen in the fate of parties that have previously aligned with military dictators. The economic situation continues to worsen, with inflation and the looming threat of default adding to the country’s woes. The current power struggle has led to confusion over the announcement of election dates, with neither side providing a clear explanation for their stance.

The larger issue of political instability and its resolution is the country’s real crisis. There is a complete inability to make decisions, and the delay in restructuring is causing political uncertainty. The lack of clarity frustrates citizens, demanding a decision from their leaders. Those can only travel the road to Islamabad with widespread support and the approval of the establishment, but our leaders must also prioritize the welfare of the country and its people.

As the country remains in limbo, our leaders must put their differences aside and work towards a stable future for Pakistan.

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