Naeem Bokhari may well prove to be a game changer in Pakistan’s upcoming political realities. He, on his credit, now has an ouster and an acquittal of two different ‘Respondent No. 1s’. Better known for his television appearances and wit, it is him, who has now bagged two critical decisions in his favour, both of which can potentially change the political landscape of Pakistan.
With Imran Khan now vindicated, expect him to now use the Supreme Court order as a stamp to his claims of having never been involved in any financial misdoings. Imagine the moral high ground, of which he will now miss no chance to climb on, using December 15 order as a certificate of his Mr. Clean image. Not that he ever needed any second invitation, but he now has the apex court’s ruling to back his claims.
On the other hand, there is PML-N, still headed by the ousted PM Nawaz Sharif. His is the exact opposite of Imran’s case. Expect him to up the ante on judiciary, the glimpses of which have already been seen by his party loyalists, after the December 15 decision. Whatever the nuances and technicalities the two decisions have, Imran can now keep his campaign focused on the one-point agenda of ‘I am Sadiq and Ameen, you are not’.
The CM Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif, too has got a fresh lease of life, at least for now. The SC’s rejection of NAB appeal to reopen the Hudaibiya reference will undoubtedly put him in a stronger position. That said, certain circles in the lawyers’ community still believe NAB can go back, strengthen the case and knock the Supreme Court doors again. So this may not be a closed transaction, at least not just yet.
However much the ruling party tries to put a united face, it is rather clear that Shahbaz Sharif would rather want the next elections to be centered around the ‘development’ mantra. And he has publicly stated his wish on several occasions. Not to mention, the younger Sharif is going to be the PM candidate in 2018, and would ideally want the campaign to revolve around how he wants to be perceived.
And it makes all the sense too, especially with much improved electricity availability, which will be even better by the elections. The buck will fall on what route Nawaz Sharif decides to opt. There are no easy answers to what sells better with the masses. The anti-judiciary narrative, or the development one. A lot will also depend on what transpires in the NAB references and how the ruling party reacts.
A lot is yet to happen before elections, but December 15, on the face of it has offered the PTI a stronger platform. More so, because a PML-N without Nawaz Sharif may still work, for there is a family hierarchy to take care of. But a PTI without Imran Khan is as good as over. But the party, as they say, may well have just begun.