IS the PPP coming around to the realisation that it has made a big mistake? After quietly succumbing, along with the PDM parties, and controversially approving the results of the last census just days before the 15th National Assembly was dissolved, it now seems to be having trouble coming to terms with the implications of its decision.

It is worth recalling that the party had consistently protested the census’s results till the time came for their approval. Independent observers had warned repeatedly that validating the census at the eleventh hour would give the authorities an excuse to delay elections beyond the constitutionally mandated 90-day limit, and the PPP had been cognisant of this eventuality throughout.

It had, therefore, come as a shock when it was reported that the Council of Common Interests’ eventual decision to approve the results was a unanimous one. The party now claims it was told there would be no change in election timelines due to the CCI’s decision.

Click to see more

To be clear, the PPP is taking the correct line: there is no room for any further violation of the Constitution on any pretext, delimitations included. However, it is difficult to accept the PPP’s excuse for its abrupt U-turn at face value, given how calculated the party’s politicking generally is.

It is difficult to believe that its leadership could have been so credulous as to believe, even momentarily, that their approval of fresh census results would not automatically result in the need for fresh delimitation of constituencies.

There is considerable speculation as to what actually changed their mind, but whatever the case may be, it appears that the party has now decided to take a forceful stand on the matter. The PPP announced its position following a recent meeting of its Central Executive Committee, saying it will be firmed up once its representatives meet the chief election commissioner next week.

The party’s refusal to accept any delay in the elections has placed it in opposition to its erstwhile partners in the PDM-led coalition government. With the PML-N and JUI-F, along with others, throwing their weight behind the ECP’s decision to go for fresh delimitations, this may push the PPP and the beleaguered PTI into the same corner.

The sight of Aitzaz Ahsan seated at the PPP’s CEC meeting has already piqued a lot of interest. A PPP stalwart, Mr Ahsan had long been out of favour with his party’s central leadership.

His sympathies for his Zaman Park neighbour are also well known. Was he there to bring the bitter rivals together, if only for the sake of upholding the Constitution? It is a tantalising possibility for those who have grown weary of the recent listlessness in political activity. Any ripple in these placid waters is welcome news.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2023