World | Pakistan
Punjab turning into political battlefield
The Punjab province is rapidly turning into a battlefield, where the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government has become entrenched in a war of words with the governor, who is appointed by the federal government.
- By Kamila Hyat, Correspondent
- Published: 23:23 November 28, 2008
Karachi: The Punjab province is rapidly turning into a battlefield, where the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government has become entrenched in a war of words with the governor, who is appointed by the federal government.
Most recently, the Punjab law minister, Rana Sanullah, accused the governor, Salman Taseer, of staging 'drink and dance' parties at the Governor's House and of engaging in 'immoral' behaviour.
He has since withdrawn the remarks under pressure from the PML-N chief, Nawaz Sharif, who is aware that a open war with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government could pose a threat to the Punjab set up. The PPP has indicated it could try and form a government with other partners if differences with the PML-N become irreconcilable.
This tussle has also affected governance. The perception certainly is that Shahbaz Sharif, as chief minister, has not been anywhere near as successful as he was the last time around, from 1996 to 1999, in improving the law and order or other issues in the province.
Tensions
Consistent tensions with a hostile governor are a factor in this. Lately, the governor dashed off two letters to the chief minister, accusing his government of failing to protect courts during protests by lawyers and of failing to bring the provincial cabinet up to full strength, thereby impeding provincial work.
"I think the governor has no business to intervene in this fashion with government. It is undemocratic," said Rania Suhail, 25, a student. Across the province, which voted for the PML-N in February, it is clear that support lies with the ruling party. The governor seems to have few friends and has recently made more enemies by lashing out at TV anchors and their hostility towards the government.
Beyond politics, the battle is also rooted in a society with many dichotomies. Taseer, who has the reputation of a party-giving playboy in Lahore, represents a group that has little in common with the conservative PML-N. Reports of liquor flowing at the Governor's House had circulated even before Sanaullah's attack. All this goes to further alienate the governor from the masses.
The scene may thus be set for an enthralling political drama. The question of whether an attempt will be made to topple the PML-N government in the Punjab is being asked everywhere.
It is clear Taseer would like to make an exit. But the potential instability this would create is huge, especially at a time when forecasts, once more, are being made that the current government may not last more than a few months.
Share this article
News Editor's choice
-
Africa segment at Dubai film festival
Productions feature interesting mix of genres tackling serious issues
-
Arafat death anniversary remembered
Palestinians mark five years since the death of leader Yasser Arafat
-
What to expect at the Dubai Airshow
We preview what types of aircraft to expect at the Dubai Airshow
