#pdm workers

In many ways, the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) jalsa in Multan was the  most significant one among the public meetings held so far. It was held in an area of  Punjab considered to be at some distance from the centre of power long dominated by the  Sharifs of Lahore. Multan happens to be, lately, a somewhat disputed ‘capital’ of the  South Punjab challenge to Takht-i-Lahore’s rule. The stress is now on holding the next jalsa  in Lahore which so many out there are so eager to tell us is going to be bigger than the one in Multan. Really sir? Congratulations in advance. But before you get too excited  about your final jalsa in ‘all-important’ Lahore and your march in Islamabad (from  Lahore?) the power-wanting segments in the PDM would do well to acknowledge the existence of  the Quettas, the Peshawars, the Mengals and the maulana they have allowed on stage and the  Mohsin Dawars they have allowed to leave. They just can’t go on reducing the Multans to  junior roles in battles launched from Lahore.  

The bigger question is: what after Lahore? This is where the PDM is struggling to come  up with a unified strategy. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is the strongest proponent for the march to Islamabad and subsequent resignations from the assemblies.  Since he has already experienced a solo march last year, and sensed the impact of the  event, he seems better placed to make it happen. The other PDM parties also recognise  that JUI-F cadres disciplined and hardy as they are will be crucial for the success of the  march. This gives the Maulana significant leverage in terms of decision-making from this  stage onwards. The PML-N leadership is also leaning towards a harder line ever since Nawaz  Sharif has taken a strong position against the role of the establishment. There may be many  within the party who are not comfortable with the resignation option but given the  prevalent mood of the top leadership, they may not have much of a choice if the decision  is indeed made. However, the PPP has been uneasy with this action of last resort. It is  the only party among the alliance that has a government to lose if the opposition decides  to take the resignations’ route.