KARACHI: The passage of budget is becoming a nightmare for the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) government as more allies are showing discord with the major coalition partner.
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s unusual speech at the floor of National Assembly on Thursday with a reconciliatory and explanatory tone make many believe that all is not well with the present government and the pressure from its mentors’ is developing to a nerve wrecking experience.
Jamhori Watan Party (JWP) lead by Shahzain Bugti, grandson of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti after Balochistan National Party (BNP) has announced to leave the coalition. The Choudhry’s of Gujrat are also stated to be unhappy with the PTI while the voices of dissent from inside the PTI itself are signals of dangers ahead. MQM (P) may also join the ranks of opposition as end game.
The top leaders of the PTI like Fawad Choudhry, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Raja Riaz and others represent such voices. However the real threat from within is from MNA’s of Jehangir Tareen group who if goes against party line, the government may fail in getting the numbers it needs for passage of annual budget 2020-2021 and may lead to a vote of no confidence.
Apparently feeling pressure from different quarters, Prime Minister appeared in National Assembly and addressed the house. He spent all time to explain his policies, his government’s achievements in previous two years amid crises after crises.
The opposition although severely criticized him for his remarks about Osama Bin Laden and policy over Covid 19, but was surprised by the tone of the Prime Minister which appears to be softened and explanatory rather than fire spitting as in past.
Political analysts foresee increasing pressure on government just ahead of passage of budget. Coalition government are always fragile and needs balancing acts by major partners continuously and any misadventure or failure to win back the disgruntled partners may cost PTI its government leading to an in-house change or mid-term early elections.