Bhutto’s legacy in hot waters

The financial scandal following the JIT report has found the Zardari family along with the PPP and Sindh Government to be in hot waters. With the undertakings by the current federal government under the regime of Imran Khan has seen a renowned party in Punjab go through the charges posed on them. Therefore, it comes with no doubt that the fate of PPP will suffer if not same, but pretty relevant consequences alleged as far as the JIT report is concerned.

The money-laundering case as per the report has definitely thrown a turmoil in the Sindh government and a political storm seems inevitable as for now. However, the most tarnishing point following this scandal is the political future of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, which hangs by a weak thread, in addition to the fate of the former president.

This has, in turn, kept the followers in fear that their last hope to carry on the Bhutto legacy might be lost in the scandal. Although always under the political shadow of his shrewd father, Bilawal has made a significant impact on parliamentary politics. But his involvement in this financial scandal could adversely affect his politics.  For the charges imposed are indeed critical and would result in a prolonged legal and political battle which would restrain Pakistan People’s Party’s political participation and its progress in general.

While these allegations might be imposed and the unruly statements by Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, who referred to Sindh being run by ‘goons’ may seem to reflect the Sindh government being overthrown. It is not really that easy to manipulate or destabilize the provincial government. For this in itself would be disastrous for the system, especially at a time when it is faced with economic and political challenges. Politics of confrontation is not an option at the moment.

Coming to the other side of the picture, the role of the federal government, PTI is a stark contrast to their slogan for the sacredness of vote. These allegations and dethroning are not entirely due to the incompetence or corruption charges against the Sindh government but are also in the will to establish a one-party system. And PTI has become a key player in this game, continuously reminding us of such previous attempts in the 1990s, where the governments were installed or removed overnight.

Nevertheless, the political dynamics of the province have changed owing to PTI becoming the second largest party in the province in addition to its electoral victory in Karachi. This along with a strong financial background has given PPP a tough challenge in its own province and has led to a politics that might end up marring the province in the end.

As of now, there is no need to create intimidation or any power syndrome. As this will only ensure a strong uno or a weak center. The sense of national integration at this point is of utmost importance and so is the separation of the accountability process with that of the politics. However, the government’s actions only act to reinforce angsts; they need to find a way to cure the political tension and instability.