Asif Ali Zardari's "big surprise" today was an announcement that he and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will be part of this Parliament.

His exact words — "Bilawal and I will contest the election now, right now, [and sit] in this Parliament" — are being interpreted to mean that the PPP co-chairman will contest a by-election after the PPP MNAs on the Nawabshah and Larkana seats are asked to resign.

But what would a Parliament with the father-son duo in opposition look like?

Could their presence dispel the criticism of the PPP not being a 'true opposition'; and lead the charge against the current government? Has the announcement been made to undermine the PTI, which has reluctantly re-entered Parliament sans its leader?

Or is this announcement going to mean nothing? Here's what some analysts and politicians think.

A desperate move

Zahid Hussain is an author and journalist.

This is a desperate move to get back to the political centre stage as [Zardari] faces a huge predicament with many of his associates being hunted by law enforcement agencies. His decision will not change the political dynamics.

Some people think that this could boast the [PPP's] dwindling morale. But it is quite doubtful that his return to the Parliament will help the party regain its lost political space.

Confusing at best

Imran Khan, PTI Chairman, speaking informally to the media in Bani Gala.

I am not completely sure about what they said in today's rally. They were supposed to announce that they will be launching a movement. But we are still waiting on them to make that announcement. As far as former president Asif Ali Zardari contesting elections is concerned, what can I say? Anyone can contest elections and join the Parliament.

Motive unclear

Shah Mehmood Qureshi, PTI leader, speaking informally to the media in Bani Gala.

We want to know the motive behind the step that Asif Zardari has taken. We still don't get it.

Building a momentum

Zarrar Khuro is a journalist and the co-host of 'Zara Hut Kay' on Dawn News.

On the whole it's positive that these people will be sitting in Parliament and I think what they're trying to do here is build momentum for the up-coming elections. In one sense, it will add to the weight of the Parliament and its important, in particular, for Bilawal's political career; that he gains that parliamentary experience. Unfortunately, we have a situation in which the Prime Minister rarely graces the Parliament with his presence and Imran Khan's own attendance record in Parliament — and his views on Parliament — are very well known. So it's good to see that at least one party is making a big deal about entering the parliament. What that means for the PPP as a party, that's debatable. I don't see them making any inroads into Punjab at all. Punjab is largely going to be a PTI vs PML-N battlefield with the PPP not even being able to play a spoiler role.

Given that thus far it is the PTI that has taken on the mantel of an active opposition, albeit outside of parliament; I think that one thing you will likely see is a far more vocal PPP. Whether that translates to an anti-government movement of some sort; that remains to be seen. Certainly, we're going to see an increase in political activity from now up until the 2018 elections. I think all the political parties can see that Nawaz might be sitting a bit too pretty right now. He seems virtually unassailable and he's very much in election campaign mode. They seem determined to win yet another term.

Politics is unpredictable and it makes for strange bedfellows - so one can't rule out the possibility of an alliance of convenience between the PPP and the PTI as well.

Read: PTI’s return to parliament

Toxic baggage

Talat Aslam, Senior Editor, The News, via Twitter.

Zardari, toxic baggage in tow, decides to breathe down his son's neck in parliament too. So much for the 'new PPP!'

Business as usual

Jahangir Tareen of the PTI, speaking to ARY News.

Everything that they said in the speech was all expected and nothing big/nothing new. Why would an ex-president run in election as an MNA? It does not make sense... I think it is a mistake PPP is making.

Nothing shocking

Journalist Ayaz Amir, speaking to 92 News.

They gathered a huge crowd so they had to say something. In essence, announcing you will contest elections is not shocking news.

Unnecessary hype

Political scientist Dr Farrukh Saleem, speaking to 92 News.

An unnecessary hype was created that we're getting a good news and a surprise. It might be good news for Zardari sahab but not for the 20 crore population.