PML-N Stuck in a Difficult Situation

Many parliamentarians, particularly those from the PML-N, shared with The Express Tribune that the prevailing sentiment among the people points to the ruling coalition as the cause of the country’s economic difficulties, and this sentiment is likely to influence the upcoming elections.

The negative view is further fueled by various factors, including the country’s selling of assets amidst escalating inflation, a deteriorating economy, and an increase in terrorism. A senior parliamentarian from the ruling PML-N, speaking anonymously, criticized the government’s handling of the Army Act amendment and noted that the people are dissatisfied with the coalition’s performance.

The absence of a strong opposition, the lawmaker admitted, has not shielded the government from the consequences of its actions, as people are deeply entrenched in crises and unwilling to accept the PML-N’s explanations for its role in the situation. While the PTI government’s poor performance is acknowledged, the delay in reaching an agreement with the IMF has worsened matters. The parliamentarian believes that if this agreement had been reached earlier, the party could have taken damage-control measures.

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Another senior parliamentarian from central Punjab, also speaking anonymously, criticized the government’s appeasement of the establishment as a major mistake, going against their own struggle. They acknowledged that Nawaz Sharif’s return might boost the PML-N to some extent, but the overall impact might not be significant, given the government’s performance. Despite the challenges, the lawmaker believes that people see the PML-N as their only hope for delivering on promises and expect to vote for them.

JUI-F’s Abdul Ghafoor Haideri admitted that people were upset due to Pakistan’s economic turmoil and rightly held the government responsible. He pointed out that the government, having ruled for over a year, bears responsibility for the current state of affairs, although people might not fully understand the circumstances under which the PDM took control of the government or the global inflationary trend. The blame is shared by all, and not solely on Ishaq Dar.

PML-N MNA Waheed Alam Khan agreed that people hold the government accountable for the soaring inflation, which could impact the election’s outcome. He also concurred with other parliamentarians about the potential negative impact of the pro-establishment policy on the PML-N.