Spotlight: But Sindh stands out like a sore thumb!: Well begun? Oh yes! Half done? Let us see!

During an informal chat some participants were critical of the fact that the Federal Cabinet is heavily drawn from people with the Punjab background. I thought this may not necessarily have arisen from a linguistic or provincial bias. PMLN today draws its main strength from Punjab and therefore politicians in its fold with experience in different spheres of governance belong to that area. It is natural therefore that most federal positions are filled by them. As long as their competence and performance is not in doubt there is no harm in it.

KP: LIVE AND LET LIVE On the other hand Nawaz’s handling of government formation in KP and Balochistan is an indication of his (new found?) wisdom in handling matters with a national rather than parochial approach. After an acrimonious campaign in which Imran Khan missed no opportunity to attack Nawaz, it was feared that the possibility in the post election scenario of co-operation between them even on common goals had dimmed. Shahbaz’s prompt visit to the hospital to see Imran recovering from his unfortunate fall however, followed by Nawaz Sharif’s conciliatory overtures including his offer in a light vein of a “friendly match” brought a welcome respite from the bitter back and forth between the two. But more than what any words could achieve, Nawaz’s concrete policy measure in not hindering TIPS, the biggest party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from forming the government provided a basis in fact for the conciliatory rhetoric. “A-plus” for Nawaz and for Imran Khan as well for his choice as CM of Pervez Khattak, a qualified down-to-earth politician belonging to KP’s middle class.

BALOCHISTAN: CONSENSUS AND RECONCILIATION Five years of Zardari reign left the rich but troubled province in much worse shape than before. The only right thing the outgoing President did at the beginning of his term was to apologise to the people of Balochistan for the wrongs they suffered over the years. But from then on everything he did was wrong including dubious appointments like those of Nawab Raisani (of a “degree is a degree” fame, apart from other numerous nuggets of wisdom) as CM and of Nawab Magsi as Governor, not to speak of putting in place a cabinet which included all 45 members, save one, of the Provincial Assembly! Here as in KP, Nawaz had the opportunity to put in a PMLN man as the CM. Setting a good example Nawaz chose (over some opposition and heart-burning in his own party in the Province) National Party’s Dr Abdul Malik Baloch who comes from an educated, middle-class background and commands wide respect. This is a welcome break from the past during which seats of power were occupied by tribal chiefs. Another “A-plus” for Nawaz!

SORE THUMB SINDH Sindh rural came to a rescue of sorts for President Zardari’s PPP saving it from total rout. PPP has been punished in all other provinces for its 5 years’ misrule blemished with mega corruption scandals and criminal neglect of all major issues plaguing the life of the common people across the country. How come the people of rural Sindh still went along with PPP and its current leaders roundly defeating all other contending parties? One explanation was lack of effort by PMLN to build a party structure in the Province. Another was lackluster leadership of Pir Pagara the head of PMLF. Till very late he was expressing doubts and fears about the elections going to be a bloody affair, hardly the kind of talk to motivate party activists. He made no serious effort to mobilise public opinion in his party’s favour. Yet another explanation was that people did not vote for PPP as such but for the local Wadera or landlord to whom they were beholden for their meager livelihoods.

THE SPECIAL CASE OF KARACHI In Karachi, MQM has emerged once again (rigging claims apart) as by far the major party. PPP, which has once again a working majority in Sindh has formed the government and appears to be trying a carrot and stick approach to get MQM (which opted to sit in opposition) to rejoin it in the government as several times before: While President Zardari has said MQM should be invited back into the coalition fold, CM Qaim says he has given full authority to the police and rangers to go after criminals without let or hindrance. If the past experience is any guide MQM may soon rejoin its old ally in the Provincial government. We had another “Yaume Soag” last week, another day’s loss of earning for millions of daily wage earners, push-cart vendors, transport workers and shopkeepers. We would like MQM to use other ways of protesting which do not make it a “Yaume Soag” for those millions. MQM should also consider protesting when activists of other political parties fall victim to target killing in Karachi so as to focus attention on Karachi’s precarious security situation. After all MQM claims to speak for entire Karachi!

SHAHBAZ GETS CARRIED AWAY With an overwhelming 300 vote plurality in the bag in the Punjab PA, Shahbaz made a longish acceptance speech which looked more like an enunciation of his five-year things-to-do plan than an inaugural address. Among plans to improve educational standards he also vowed to do away with the age old Patwari system, end Thana culture and make proper health care (now the exclusive privilege of the elite) available to everyone through a health insurance scheme. While enthusiasm to go after high goals is admirable, it will take considerable stretch of optimistic imagination to believe that these can be achieved within five years and under existing financial constraints. Shahbaz should do well to remember that his promises are now the property of the Media and shortcomings would be highlighted time and again. However a sustained, visible and sincere effort towards achieving the stated goals should make for milder censure should targets be not fully achieved.

(owajid@yahoo.com)