Is the PPP-PML(N) Coalition Up To The Task Ahead?

The drama between the PPP and the PML(N) and within each party that has unfolded during the last 48 hours clearly shows the lack of competence and maturity of their leadership in handling the very basic political disputes in their ranks. In the midst of rising terrorist violence claiming many innocent lives on a daily basis, the petty personal differences and mutual suspicions have clearly trumped any discussion of how to deal with the real challenges Pakistan faces today. The simplistic answer being parroted by the two parties and their mindless followers seems to indicate the belief that everything would be fine as soon as Musharraf steps down and the judiciary under Iftikhar Chaudhry is restored. I believe this answer is misleading. Pakistan's problems are much bigger than any one individual or institution. The resolution to these problems of rising violence, high worldwide inflation of food and fuel prices and continuing political instability will require all Pakistanis to work as a team. What Pakistan needs is a unifying leadership, not a divisive bunch with personal ambitions and vendettas against others.

The very public and crude manner in which a PPP stalwart Makhdoom Amin Fahim has been snubbed by both parties is nothing short of absolutely astounding. Not only does it smack of personal ambitions of a few individuals gone awry but also of the ethnic prejudice. But beyond that, it inspires little confidence in the leadership qualities of Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif and their closest lieutenants.

As the entire Pakistani nation holds its breath waiting for a peaceful power transfer, the coalition can not even agree on who will be the prime minister in the new set up. This clearly does not augur well for democracy in Pakistan.

PPP Infighting Becomes Public

As the headlines in Pakistan proclaimed the formation of the PPP-PML(N) coalition at a summit meeting between Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, there were obvious signs of rift emerging within the PPP. Makhdoom Amin Fahim, the PPP leader who faithfully guided the party during Beanzir Bhutto's self-imposed exile, told the news media that he was not invited to join the negotiations with PML(N) nor was he present during the announcement. In fact, he learned of the news through the media reports. While still maintaining his loyalty to the party, he was clearly agitated by this development.

There have also been reports of Sind-Punjab tussle on the choice of the prime minister within the PPP. In the Geo News show ‘Who would be the prime minister’, Makhdoom Amin Fahim said that the prime minister should be from Sindh and he was the candidate for this post. He said that he was a senior member of the party.
Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari had also offered him the PM slot.

On the other hand, Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar insisted that the PM should be from Punjab. He also claimed to be a senior member of the party, as his family's had a long association with the Bhutto family since 1967. He also challenged that Makhdoom Amin Faheem was ever offered to become PM. Other names that have been mentioned are Raja Mahmood Qureshi and Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.

The fact that Mr. Zardari has chosen to make deals with other parties without Mr. Fahim's participation is the clearest indication yet that Amin Fahim is either out of the running for the position of prime minister or, that he would not be fully empowered even if he gets the nod from Zardari. The real power will, in fact, continue to be in the hands of Mr. Zardari.

This is clearly an inauspicious beginning for the PPP and the new coalition. It calls into question Zardari's intentions and personal ambitions. It raises issues such as how the PPP unity can be maintained in the absence of an adult Bhutto at the head of the party. It also creates doubts about the durability of any coalition arrangements with other parties. This situation is likely to strengthen President Musharraf's position in dealing with the new civilian government.