The political temperature is expected to rise in the comings day with two leading opposition parties, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) both adopting an aggressive approach against what they call ‘government’s reluctance’ to form an impartial inquiry commission to probe the revelations of the Panama Papers. Both the said parties have threatened of street agitation if the inquiry commission of their liking is not formed. The Pakistan Peoples Party has often been accused of posing little opposition to the government seems to have changed its stance over the past few months. The party that was all for reconciliation has suddenly started warning government of street agitation. Many suggest that this aggressive posture is a result of party’s weakening political base in Punjab. With the next general elections just two years away the Pakistan Peoples Party has realized that the policy of reconciliation with the ruling party will harm them in the next elections. On the other hand the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has been agitating against the incumbent government since the very first day.
With Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s returns and with the holy month of Ramadan out of the way the coming days will see a heated political climate. The only thing that can calm this storm is the potential monsoon of agreement on terms of reference of the Panama probe, which admittedly seems less likely by the day. With the Azad Kashmir elections just around the corner the three leading parties are also involved in a heated election campaign. The issue of Panama probe is no doubt of vital importance but in the present scenario it would be advisable if the parties try to reach a consensus on the probe instead of street agitation.
The government & opposition parties should look for a political solution instead of street agitation.