Grand alliance

The PTI appears to be making a concerted effort to bring all opposition parties into what they perceive as a unified opposition alliance. Their primary focus is on the JUI-F, given its significant presence both in parliament and at the grassroots level. However, three major obstacles must be overcome before such an alliance can materialise: the PTI founder’s history of openly insulting political opponents, the PTI media cell’s aggressive trolling of opponents, and learning when to challenge the sitting government. The first two obstacles are a major deterrent for any potential allies.

As concerns the latter, a seasoned and astute politician like Maulana Fazlur Rehman does not see this as the right time to challenge the sitting government, which seems to currently enjoy the full backing of the establishment. Also, from the Maulana’s perspective, any movement to weaken or topple the government at this stage would primarily benefit the PTI, with little to no gains for other opposition parties. A politician of his stature and experience would not engage in an agitation that offers no strategic advantage.

Engr Jan Nisar

Peshawar