As once earlier, the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD), its allies and the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal are again pondering over joining hands against the President. Both sides have clearly dropped hints at formation of a grand alliance. Even, there have been some informal meetings as well between ARD and MMA leaders after President Musharraf's announcement to retain both offices.
After Eid-ul-Azha, important meetings are on the cards between leaders from both sides. Though, the MMA has not rejected the government's dialogue offer. Out of the blue, the recent Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Maulana Fazlur Rehman meeting at the Prime Minister House is seen with suspicion by ARD cadre.
"It is beyond comprehension that on one hand, MMA wants joint struggle with rest of the opposition for the Parliament's supremacy while on the other, readily accepts dialogue offer," commented ARD Secretary General Zafar Iqbal Jhagra.
General Musharraf's reneging on the much-publicised commitment to shed uniform before December 31, 2004 must be enough for MMA to review its approach, he maintained.
However, the ARD appears to be cautious about thrashing out any collective strategy with MMA: The reason being its (MMA) U-turn on LFO and support to the government on 17th amendment, that too at a time, when things had reached a point of no return.
The Constitutional stalemate had reached its climax in 2003, and there came the anti-climax: MMA brushing aside the entire opposition, bailed the rulers out of that situation. The religious alliance's sudden change of hearts dismayed and disheartened the opposition.
However, the MMA has always denied being B team of the rulers or saving them from the imminent fall at the eleventh hour.
"It is a unique honour for us that we compelled a military ruler to commit shedding his uniform, but unfortunately, he backed out," lamented MMA deputy-secretary general Hafiz Hussain Ahmed.
Some circles in the ARD still doubt the credentials of the MMA. They insist that before any joint move, the religious alliance must say 'no' in categorical terms to any talk offer from the rulers.
They feel that their 'hard work' in and outside the Parliament can be spoiled again. Therefore, some strong assurances are deemed essential prior to possible ARD-MMA coalition for what they call their final go against President Musharraf.
Both the alliances want Musharraf to quit as president and the army chief. They believe his retention of the two caps is unconstitutional and contrary to parliamentary norms. Therefore, they demand his unconditional bowing out.
Asserting his position, President Musharraf has rejected their contention, saying he can continue. In this context, he cites Constitutional provisions and above all vital national interests.
As for the MMA, since 2002 election, ifs and buts have been expressed about its bagging 68 National Assembly and 20 Senate seats. Some said the powers that be catapulted religious parties' candidates to the Parliament.
The purpose behind their 'crafted' presence in the Parliament was to use them as a tool if and when required. The trick clicked and the Constitutional deadlock was broken.
Again, the ARD is ready to forget what happened earlier and is willing to form a grand alliance with the MMA to achieve their objective. MMA leadership ostensibly is confused. Maulana Fazlur Rehman wants continuation of the system while Qazi has other views: he wants Musharraf to go even at the cost of assemblies.
On the other hand, the ARD leadership is very clear about its future course of action. They advocate for fresh election this year. Analysts say it is time for the MMA to make up for its past 'blunder' and toe the ARD line. It is needless to mention that as the things stand today, it may take another six months or so before both alliances launch a joint campaign.
The government, anticipating the possible opposition move, is contemplating options to strip all those MMA lawmakers of their Parliament membership who carry seminaries' degrees. Likewise, it plans to take 'appropriate action' against the ARD and its allies' MPs who will persist with their anti-Musharraf sloganeering. It goes without saying that both sides are thinking of going to extremes. Time will tell who gives in.
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