THE junior coalition partner in Islamabad is apparently feeling threatened by the ongoing talks between the government and the main opposition party. There is no other reason that explains the party’s sudden realisation of the authenticity of people’s grievances. The curious case of the six controversial canals from Indus River bears testimony to the assertion.

The president of Pakistan, who heads the same party, has given his assent to the canals in Punjab, but the party’s Sindh chapter is strangely asking the federal government to revert the decision. The party leaders are also issuing statements right, left and centre against the canal project; a project that has been approved by their own head.

The party is actually trying to hoodwink the gullible masses in Sindh, claiming to be the custodian of the province’s interest, while simultaneously putting pressure on the federal government to stay away from striking any deal with the opposition party that may affect its share in power.

The party’s tactics have become clear to the public, and this is bound to affect its image. The leadership can only gain public accolades and regain popularity by reducing corruption, checking water theft by feudal lords, and by controlling its workers who behave like some sort of mafia operating in their respective domains. Only then can the party gain popularity among the masses.

Gulsher Panhwer
Johi

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2025