For want of a nail

ARE the days of the government numbered? This is a question (or gossip) in Islamabad these days; I call it ‘a question’ because it is not the only one, which in itself reveals that it has its takers and its critics. Though this is an issue never far from anyone’s mind in this city (or Pindi) no matter which government is in place, this particular session of the debate in public was sparked by the column of senior journalist Sohail Warraich. The operative part of the column was his prediction that the government’s downfall would begin in July. Since then, he has been clarifying or explaining this prophecy in articles as well as interviews. Many are eager to latch on to his views while others argue against it equally passionately. The former point out, as did the column writer himself, about the government’s lack of success on the economic front and its inability to gain popularity. The government has little to offer other than its mantra of stability for five years or so. And this is frankly of little consolation to people who have experienced back-breaking inflation and a slower-than-a-tortoise economy for the past so many years. Even less needs to be said about the PML-N’s lack of popularity. Even those who can’t stop waxing lyrical about the ‘success’ of Maryam Nawaz as chief minister cannot argue that she has made the party popular. On the other hand, those who feel the government is on solid ground point out the comfortable relationship between the prime minister and the military leadership. This is more than a hybrid regime now; it is one in which the civilian side takes no risks and asserts no power. There is only one side writing on the page, the other is simply following the moving finger. The ‘same page’ is far too dicey a proposition. They also point out the disaster that is the PTI, bereft of any political strategy to woo over those in power. So why would there be any rift or disagreement, ask those on this side of the argument. However, it needs be said