Pakistan not long after its inception has suffered and suffocated at the hands of dictators forcing their reigns through Marshal Law. Twice official and once unofficial marshal laws imposed by Ayub Khan, Zia ul Haq and Parvaiz Musharaf were truly the blackest times of our country but what followed after their legacy, has over the time proven to be worst than these dictators.
Ayub Khan’s predecessor Yahya was over thrown by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Zia’s predecessor Muhammad Khan Junejo was later over thrown by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s daughter Benazir Bhutto. Following these events our political scenario for over a decade remains a power play between Bhutto family and Pakistan Muslim League (PML) – further divided into three major leagues – which was took over by Sharif Family after Junejo with no other significant leader. It would only be just if we call it a power play between Bhutto and Sharif families.
Musharraf came into power by taking Shariffs out of the Pakistani political equation, however he brought into equation new political entities such as Muslim Leage (Q) i-e the Chaudries and Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) in order to continue his reign as a civilian leader. Unfortunately, for him and for the country, Benazir Bhutto’s death right before last elections threw the balance off in favor of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) now run by Asif Ali Zardari under the Bhutto banner. MQM initially brought to power by Musharraf decided to work in cooperation with Asif Ali Zardari, which for them was a choice between Ethnic Disputes with Zardari vs Talbanization stamp on Shariffs. Furthermore, Jamat-e-Islami’s electoral boycott lead to Awami National Party’s rise to Government.
With less than 60 days in election the Political Marathon has begun once again. The top two contenders even after two decades are still Pakistan People’s Party run by Zardari and Shariff Brother’s Pakistan Muslim League. Imran Khan; who has been hovering in the “Political Scene” for about a decade, has gained public sympathy and popularity for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf through stunts such as Long March, Enthusiastic Anti Government initiatives and is said to be ruling the Youth already – thanks to Imran Khan’s sporting career – but the time to actually prove whether this popularity would be substantial enough or not is approaching fast.
Pakistan People’s Party; during last 5 years, has declined on the popularity graphs so drastically that not even “Pir Sahab” or “Makhdoom Sahab” can save this sinking ship. Mutahidda Qaumi Movement; has been ruling Sindh with both Musharraf and PPP, are struggling not to lose their seats to Jamat-e-Islami and the sectarian party Wehdat-ul-Muslimeen. At this point, by the looks of it PML (N) would be formulating next Federal Government with allies such as Pakistan Muslim League (F) Pir Pagara Group, Sindh National Front i-e Mumtaz Ali Bhutto and his alliance, PPP politicians jumping off the sinking ship and possibly Jamat-e-Islami if not for the Paid By US stamp.
On the other hand, if Jamat-e-Islami decides to sit with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf since Imran Khan has so far managed to keep his slate clean PML (N) though face a tough time but still has good chances. The coalition befits JI and PTI since both are grass root level parties. Nevertheless In the next two weeks the political sway in the country as unpredictable as it is can roll the dice in any corner but for now Pakistan Muslim League (N) with their “efforts” and “hard work” are leading the marathon by several yards.
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