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Cracks in PDM :edit in The Express Tribune, November 10th, 2020.


There are cracks in the PDM. And they are pretty visible. The point of disagreement, if not discord, is the PML-N’s “revolutionary” narrative which not only targets the establishment but also pinpoints personalities. PPP, a major constituent of the 11-party opposition alliance, as well as ANP are not comfortable with Nawaz Sharif specifying elements in the establishment who, according to him, brought about his fall and Imran Khan’s rise to power. The two parties, however, share allegations with other PDM members of the PM being a puppet. PkMAP, on the other hand, is siding with the PML-N’s stance that has crossed the red line. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the JUI-F chief who also heads the PDM, is trying to serve as a bridge between the two, with a tilt towards the PML-N’s stance. But again difference of opinion exists within the Maulana’s own party over Nawaz’s no holds barred rhetoric — something which is quite evident from Hafiz Hussain Ahmed’s recent statements.

It is understandable that the PDM member parties would want to appear equally aggrieved in the people’s court at the establishment’s alleged support to the PTI. Each PDM constituent would expect the other to advance a common agenda rather than a personal one from the shared stage. It makes perfect political sense for one party to feel relegated if any other is found taking the lead. After all they all are political rivals as well. Since Nawaz clearly appeared presenting his personal case from the PDM platform, and his speeches at the Gujranwala and Quetta public gatherings brought him in the spotlight exclusively, it was comprehensible for the PPP — a major PML-N rival — to raise objection. By the way, the PPP’s carefulness is also being seen in the context of the NAB cases against its top leadership, including co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur.

All that goes to show that the PDM is not just divided but confused too. Thus the real challenge for the opposition alliance comes from within. This challenge is two-fold: to agree on a common political narrative; and to stay intact. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2271668/cracks-in-pdm