Javed Hashmi’s resignation from PML(N)

24th December 2011 was a depressive day for the leaders, workers and supporters of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz). Veteran and seasoned political figure Makhdoom Javed Hashmi (Senior Vice President PMLN) announced to join Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in early morning while he was leaving for Karachi.

This news shocked everyone. Javed Hashmi is one of the greatest politicians who have earned respect from all corners. He faced 4 years imprisonment in Gen Musharraf’s regime. In jail, he missed his daughter’s wedding. In 2008, he refused to join cabinet as he did not like to take oath by Musharraf.

On 23rd December 2011, PMLN leadership came to know about Hashmi’s plans to join PTI. He had made a commitment with Imran Khan. Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Ahsan Iqbal, Tehmina Doltana and Mrs. Kalsoom Nawaz tried their level best to persuade the unhappy man but they all failed. Next morning, Mian Nawaz Sharif, Party president, was looking forward to go to Multan personally. Javed Hashmi landed at Karachi where Imran Khan received him warmly with his team members.

On 25th December 2011, PTI arranged a great public meeting (Urdu: Jalsa) at the tomb of Quaid-e-Azam. A very large number of men, women and youngsters gathered to listen to their leaders. Hashmi was not in a better condition and he came later. He was being carried by guys for walking to his allocated seat. Imran Khan stood up and hugged the great man. I felt very happy to see this. At least, Imran Khan behaved positively. Unfortunately, due to some unknown reasons, Hashmi was being kept an insulting attitude by Sharif Brothers.

Now Javed Hashmi has joined PTI. PML(N) has lost a gem indeed and they will have to pay for their mistreatment with him. If they do not mend their ways, they will lose other big names in coming days. However, I must say that Sir Javed Hashmi has not made a wise move. He is weak now and it was the best time for him to quit politics. He must have got retirement on account of improper attitude by PML(N) leadership. His joining in PTI is not good in any sense. Everyone is smelling the rifts between Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Javed Hashmi. Qureshi does not seem to pay him any respect. On other side, all corrupt politicians who celebrated Hashmi’s imprisonment, are now in PTI. They have joined PTI to fufill their vested interested. All sincere and genuine members of PTI are gone to back benches. Capable persons like Umer Sarfraz Cheema, Mahmood-ur-Rasheed and Imran Ismail have been sidelined after joinings by PMLQ lawmakers. It is shameful that a newcomer member, flopped singer Abrar-ul-Haq was given more importance than above mentioned loyal people. Every sensible Pakistani is surprised on this major change in party setup. I have no doubt that this team cannot bring any revolution in country. Marvi Memon also advised Hashmi not to join PTI as Musharraf is likely to shake hand with Imran Khan. Establishment is fully backing this party. Hashmi’s stance on opposing establishment for last years does not make him comfortable at this new place. Imran did not dare to discuss the major problems of target killing and terrorism at Karachi jalsa. He has made an underhand deal with MQM.

Earlier MQM had set examples of capturing TV Channels for hours. Now PTI is being given the same space. Why? Yesterday, Jamaat-e-Islami also arranged a sit-in (Urdu: Dharna) in Lahore. But media channels avoided its coverage and kept full focus on Karachi. JI Cheif Munawar Hassan criticised on this biased attitude of media owners. Shahbaz Sharif also inaugurated a modern slaughter house in Lahore and addressed to a large gathering. Even his event was not covered properly and cameras did not bother to show the audience.

PML(N) leadership should take Hashmi’s resignation very seriously. It is good that senior party leaders did not give any irresponsible statements and  they all wished Hashmi health and a good life ahead. Nawaz Sharif called on a meeting of senior members and it was unanimously decided that all unhappy workers will be approached and persuaded. PML(N) has vowed again and again that they do not want to accept Establishment’s supremacy. I can see that in next elections, PML(N) and PTI will have tough competition in Punjab.

 

 

Preparations for a new setup in Pakistan

So finally President Zardari gave up. He lost the energy to face the ongoing developments in Supreme Court. Memo gate proved fatal for PPP government and they had to call back the Ambassador Husain Haqqani from USA. Later on, PMLN Chief Mr. Nawaz Sharif filed a petition in Supreme Court for transparent inquiry of the scandal. Supreme Court constituted a committee under Tariq Khosa to look into the matter and submit its report.

On the same day, PPP Senator Babar Awan gave harsh statements against the actions taken by Supreme Court. He said that another PPP government was going to be overturned and vowed that they will oppose any such adventure by non-democratic forces in the country. Imran Khan and his party kept silent on the issue. However, both Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi appreciated Nawaz Sharif’s act.

On 6th December 2011, President Zardari suddenly left for UAE along with his team of doctors for heart treatment. Now there are rumours that he will  not return home. Zardari was going to address to the joint session of National Assembly and Senate by the mid of December. His departure at such a crucial moment has raised many questions. On the other hand, contradictions in official statements have further pointed that there is something fishy. Bilawal Zardari met Prime Minister in Islamabad. He also had talks with the other party leaders.

It is likely that Prime Minister will dissolve National Assembly and a caretaker government will be formed. All parties will be given representation in the interim set up.  Elections will not be held soon as the preparation of fair voter lists is in progress. It is expected that this caretaker government will remain for a long period, around one and a half years minimum. Nawaz Sharif has reduced his differences with Establishment. However, Establishment is not willing to bring him as Prime Minister in next set up. Hence, Imran Khan is likely to be crowned.