ISLAMABAD: Senior journalist Naeem Ashraf Butt has given a critical and eye-catching discussion on the political scenario in ABN News’ program “Tajzia”.
According to him, many unusual activities and internal differences are becoming prominent in the current political atmosphere, which may change the balance of power shortly.
He said that the resignation of Defense Minister Khawaja Asif seems to be a simple matter, but the hidden facts are different.
He claimed that important decisions within the party are still subject to the approval of Nawaz Sharif. Ishaq Dar’s displeasure is also part of this continuity; he does not seem happy with his ministry at the moment.
He has given a clear message that no decision can be taken without his consent, which reflects the ongoing power struggle within the party.
Journalist Naeem Ashraf Butt further said that in recent days, Nawaz Sharif’s diplomatic activities have also become the center of special attention.
The arrival of the Iranian president in Lahore and his reception, Nawaz Sharif’s meetings with the Saudi and UAE ambassadors, are giving a strong political signal that the PML-N is busy with a big alignment behind the scenes.
His analysis was that things are deteriorating rapidly, and this is the time when political parties, like in the past, can once again unite under the “alliance of interest” — especially when their common rival, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, is active in the field.
Raza Rabbani’s sudden press conference is also being considered part of the same political upheaval, which came to light after a long silence with a tough stance.
His statement, “Who is the American president to say where the oil came from?” has highlighted the possible tension between the federation and the provinces.
He also mentioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s anxiety over the Ishaq Dar issue. According to him, the Prime Minister is worried and does not understand which direction to move. Shahbaz Sharif has always been conciliatory, but internal pressure is increasing in the party at the moment.
Another interesting point that has come to light is the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Butt predicted that if the PML-N pushes through this amendment, it will shoot itself in the foot. The possible consequences of this amendment could be negative not only for the PML-N but also for the PPP, while on the other hand, the path seems to be opening for the PTI.
He termed the PTI’s protest on August 5 as a successful strategy, which helped the party re-emerge on the political scene. The incident of Rehana Dar’s arrest has also created a lot of buzz in political circles, and if the same incident had happened to any other party, the intensity of the protest would have probably increased even more.
This new turn in Pakistani politics is indicating that not only is there a wave of change behind the scenes, but new alignments, alliances, interests, and political maneuvers will clearly emerge in the coming months.
Considering the current situation, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the political temperature has risen sharply, and a new political upheaval is at its peak.
