One of the most interesting shifts in the political narrative of Pakistan has been seen as two of the most inveterate political opposites, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl have joined forces. In the past, both sit on the political extreme where while PTI led by Imran Khan has always been pushing for liberal social reforms, JUI-F led by Maulana Fazlur Rahman has always been the champion of Islamic conservatism. However, the recent events related to a rather disputed change that has been made in the constitution have united these two political enemies, which has shocked political scientists and the political elite of the country.
The Amendment that brought unity between PTI and JUI-F
In the center of this systemic partnership is an amendment which both organizations speak ill of. Ever since the inception of PTI and JUI-F animosities can be traced multiple times and yet, the commonality in disapproving the current amendment is enough to script a new drama in Pakistan’s history of politics. The specifics of the amendment are less significant than the symbolism of this partnership: two extremes are working hand in hand, or, in other words, an unprecedented unity is being observed in Pakistan’s politics.
Fazlur Rahman and Imran Khan have greatly spoken against the proposed amendment saying that it is extremely hazardous to the future of the nation. What has been clearer to observers is the question of how long this rapprochement will last because the two leaders have been defined by clear ideological differences in the past. At this, they appear prepared to put those differences aside for the benefit of a single agenda.
The reaction of the political liberals and social democrats especially in the UK seems to portray a headache for the establishment.
Thus, the current patch up between PTI and JUI-F does not seem to have gone unnoticed in Pakistan’s political spectrum. Many in the country have often seen alignment of this sort presupposed by the so-called ‘handlers’ or the establishment, respectively, which may indeed find such an alliance hard to swallow. Implicating, Imran Khan and Fazlur Rahman has always been a thorny affair in their connection to the establishment. Imran Khan was considered to be groomed by the ‘establishment,’ at least at the onset of his ability to actually emerge as the Prime Minister, though he is undesired now; Fazlur Rahman is an anti-establishment figure nowadays.
This new unity has thus upset many within the power elite especially the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) the party favoured by the establishment. To them it is a political threat, as it cuts across the play that has been set up.
PML-N and PPP’s Response: A CHANGE OF PERSPECTIVE
The political consequences of this alliance or this coalition are not constrained to PTI and JUI-F only. It is quite embarrassing for Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at helm, and PML-N to look for ways how to counter this move. Although at first, the PML-N was considered as part of the political force that supported the amendment, it is currently experiencing growing pressures since all players that were against the amendment have come together. The PPP, which we have seen has usually acted like a mediator between the different political frations, has now come out in opposition to the amendment, while trying to market itself as the ‘’protector of democracy.
But this sudden change of heart from the PPP and the PML-N appears more like politics than change of ideology. Most can remember how both parties especially PML-N was supporting the amendment when it was to their own advantage. In this regard, now that both PTI and JUI-F are alliance, both the parties look keen to cling their image at any cost by joining the opposition to the amendment. What’s Next? A Fragile Alliance
Probably one of the most important questions that remains in front of this cooperation is the one of time. That Imran Khan and Fazlur Rahman are not really that close is fully understandable since they have poltical perspectives that are as far apart as it is possible. Khan’s aspiration for a new ‘Naya Pakistan’ has posed a conflict with Fazlur Rahman who was traditionally inclined. Sometimes it is not clear for how long they will stay on the same page, but for how long ever it may be, it seems that they are for the most part seeing eye to eye, despite political instability in Pakistan.
Both are typical political figures who are far from idealists and who are aware of the possibility to use the allies to achieve one’s objectives. On the deeper level their alliance might be temporary and might unravel as soon as they achieve the common objective which has united them – the opposition to the amendment.
Conclusion: An opportunity for change or the beginning of a new phase in Russian domestic politics or some temporary truce?
The formation of alliance between PTI and JUI-F has brought new experience in an era of continuously changing Political map of Pakistan. This alliance of opposition to its amendment may not last long again and this is due to the fact that these parties are always perceived to be adversaries. This partnership is going to leave a long-term effect on all the three players involved; PML-N, PPP and the establishment as both formulate new strategies to counter this change that they did not anticipate.
While it’s too soon to say how this alliance will play out in the long run, one thing is certain: The political volatility of Pakistan has not changed in any way and continues to be the same as it has always been. With the battle over the amendment going on, everyone will be looking forward towards Imran Khan and Fazlur Rahman to see whether this was just a phase of deal making or the start of a new policy making phase.
