Peril that awaits

The comrades of change, the tigers of Imran Khan and then the regular dreamers like you and me, have finally stumbled on a thought which we haven’t given any consideration in past eight months and beyond. We never asked ourselves, what if PTI fails? What if they couldn’t materialize the promises they are so confidently making? Now, after the honeymoon period, the bitterness of situation has matured even further, and we, the common citizens, are now bound to ask, why are they taking away what we had prior to their government?

PTI enveloped the aspirations of a common man with their fiery speeches, the plethora of platitudes in these speeches were apparent but blind trust of the same common man successfully eclipsed them. Before the elections it was good for both, now, unfortunately, it is for none.

They say, the wise men, that one can easily tackle nemesis outside if he can conquer the one which attacks from inside. Very apt for PTI, they have a lot to take care of and to do so they have to put their own house in order first.

Internal rifts in the party present a grotesque picture. We were told that once PTI forms a government and starts managing the affairs, the clan politics would be buried in the noise of applause and influential turncoat politicians would not be accepted in higher or lower ranks of the party. What happened? The exact opposite. That can be ignored considering the winning trends and culture in Pakistan but what can’t be ignored is the attitude of a few top party members and how — instead of bringing the party out of the pit it has descended into — they are fighting for influence.  The verbal spat between Shah Mahmood and Jahangir Tareen shows the cracks developing in the party and as a ramification, the underlying message was received by the public with a sigh; there is no change.

In Punjab, Usman Buzdar as chief minister enjoys complete confidence of Imran Khan. He may not have been able to deliver as per wishes of people and he may not have bureaucracy at his complete disposal but he has certainly survived many attacks within his party. On many occasions, rumors about his exit made rounds and then eventually died down. To many stalwarts of PTI, his presence as CM Punjab is not the most pleasant of sights. As soon he took charge, nefarious schemes against him started brewing. The most populated province, which already needs attention in many sectors, is being turned into a political battleground. Until PTI gets rid of different groups within their party, they wouldn’t be able to deliver. Buzdar can be replaced, yes, and so can his replacement.

An overall graph of their performance is well below the mark of adequate. Exorbitant price hike of items of daily use has directly affected the class from where PTI’s most followers and voters come from. If re-elections have to happen today, PTI won’t get 10 percent of what they won in 2018 general election. These assessments are not rocket science, a layman understands them well, and that’s not good for PTI in the long run.

If PTI wishes to establish itself as a true representative party of people, it must eschew the internal conflicts and try to resolve them amicably. The parties with whom they have formed alliance are a hanging sword, they are observing quietly but not for too long. If the situation keeps getting worse, they can abandon PTI to save their own face for the next elections.

At this point, everything is still in control, almost. Better policies can be made and better options can be tried. With the passage of each day, it is getting worse. More and more problems are raising their heads, many of which are clearly beyond the managing capacity of PTI.

The troika of destruction is here; internal fights, failed policies and frustration of people. Which way this go from here, let’s wait and see.