There is relative calm on political canvas at the moment. Is it a prelude to a long-drawn political struggle? Of course, the answer is not known. However, like uneasy calm before storm in a sea, apparently all is well all around. Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy and the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal are yet to sit together to thrash out a common future strategy. They have been talking about a collective drive 'to restore the Parliament's sovereignty and 1973 Constitution.'
MMA's own countrywide protest campaign, as reports suggest, have not been very encouraging. Though, its leaders say, they will be building a momentum before a final go against the rulers.
Reports of reconciliation are rife. But strong denials also abound in from opposition quarters. President General Pervez Musharraf has extended a 'rare hand of friendship' to the opposition. This arguably indicates change of hearts indeed.
The sudden and unexpected release of Asif Zardari and Hamza Sharif is seen in that context. Similarly, to the surprise of all and sundry, President Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz no more issue 'harsh' statements against the opposition.
Instead, they talk of grand reconciliation. They call for political amity to 'achieve economic excellence'. How much has been achieved or lost on economic front since 1999 is another question.
It is for sure that Musharraf wants to remain in the saddle, (wearing both caps as the army chief and the president). Because of this, he is ready for reconciliation with the opposition. His aides are approaching PPPP, MMA and even PML-N for dialogue sans any discussion on uniform. Political parties are weighing their options.
Among PPPP, MMA and PML-N, the religious parties' alliance wants continuation of the system without Musharraf wearing uniform.
Needless to say, Musharraf wants to engage the opponents in one way or the other. Whereas, the ex-arch rivals, PPPP and PML-N call for election this year that too under an independent Election Commission. Furthermore, the electoral process must be under a consensus set-up.
One wonders, will the powers that be agree on any of these demands? Analysts here in the Federal Capital believe that Musharraf may agree for early election, but won't compromise on his remaining the chief of the army staff and the president simultaneously.
To these analysts, Musharraf considers himself indispensable. He wants continuation of his policies, introduced since 1999, and after 9/11, without sharing power.
Conspicuous by recent reports, the Chaudhrys of Gujrat invited Musharraf to address a public meeting in their stronghold. The aim is to convey that he may continue counting on them instead of looking on other options.
The timing was notable. Musharraf spoke to a sizeable gathering, immediately after his decision to remain in uniform beyond the Constitutional deadline.
"What can be President Musharraf's next move is still a mystery. He is keeping all the cards close to his chest," commented an Islamabad-based analyst.
Musharraf, he pointed out, is more inclined to have good relations with the PPPP. The major stumbling block in the efforts for Musharraf-PPPP rapprochement is reported to be his uniform. Ms Benazir Bhutto may at any stage accept him as the president, but may not like his uniform. So, as the things stand today, both sides are still far apart. And, the reconciliation efforts may push the things back to square one. Let's wait!
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