Overwhelming challenges bring winds of change

WILL the idea of a participatory coalition government — apparently an improved version of the Pakistan Democratic Movement setup — deliver political and economic stability? It would depend on how this somewhat different approach works and corresponds to the changing ground realities. To begin with, the next prime minister would be from the largest party. Shahbaz Sharif would be the joint candidate of the six-party coalition with the blessings of PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif. PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari says his party has decided to form a committee to engage with other political parties on an ‘issue-to-issue basis’ such as the budget and legislation, but would not join the government. The next joint presidential nominated candidate would engage himself in firefighting. And apparently, five smaller parties from different provinces will have more Cabinet seats. We will take Pakistan out of difficult times, says PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, known for his ability to manage political reconciliation, an approach also shared by Shahbaz Sharif.