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New political realignments are being envisaged to push a strong anti-government agenda. JUI-F is at the vanguard of efforts to build a strong narrative. The party, led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, is reportedly in talks with TTAP, the six-party opposition alliance. Mehmood Khan Achakzai’s personal efforts to bring the Maulana into the spotlight, along with PTI’s support, for a grand coalition of estranged political forces, are now creating ripples. The imposition of governor’s rule in K-P has provided a common denominator for the opposition forces that had thus far remained directionless. It had failed to devise a formidable strategy on issues related to the release of political prisoners as well as the controversial constitutional amendments that have undermined the functioning of state institutions.
Rehman has lately been speaking out against the government, expressing his displeasure with policies that have adversely affected two restive provinces. The deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan, the impasse in K-P and the discord among political parties over the creation of more provinces are simmering as emerging agendas for the opposition, and it remains to be seen what effective course of action is adopted. PTI’s inability to bring people onto the streets and play a role in the parliament have presented the JUI-F with an opportunity to take the lead. The Maulana has been quick to seize that opportunity, as is evident from his current critical discourse, providing new momentum to the opposition.
The die, however, is yet to be cast. The opposition parties must move beyond rhetoric and come up with a narrative that appeals to the electorate as a viable way out of the crisis. Addressing political instability, the economic downturn and constitutional lacunae, while restoring the balance of power in statecraft by empowering the judiciary and parliament to act free from executive interference, will be uphill tasks. With talks between the government and the opposition conventionally ending in a deadlock, the way forward for the opposition is to adopt a realistic approach and focus on issue-oriented politics rather than knee-jerk reactions.
