BLOG: Sindh in election mode?

Suffice to say, interesting times now and ahead. It is quite noticeable that in the last few months rapid political developments were seen in Sindh.

Starting with the most prominent of all, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has taken full command of his party. Bilawal is making important political decisions while also frequently visiting Dubai for consultation with the party co-chairman, his father, Asif Ali Zardari. The party is also giving him everything available: a platform, resources and support in view of re-energising the cadres.

The newly-appointed CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah was introduced as a quick-response chief executive; back-to-back directives are being issued from the CM House and strict monitoring is also being ensured. Meanwhile, after a complete re-structuring of the party, Nisar Khuhro is given the command of party`s Sindh chapter.

After a long 14-year stint as governor, Ishratul Ebad Khan was relieved from the public office. Rumour has it that Ebad was shown the door on the suspicion of his secret links with the leadership of MQM-London but sources in the corridors of power strongly believes that he was given an honourable exit because of his contact with former president Gen Pervaiz Musharraf.

There is also an apparent division in the leadership of the second biggest political force of the province, MQM: MQM-Pakistan, Pak Sarzameen Party and MQM-Haqiqi. It is said that the efforts are underway to unite the factions and that the former governor Ebad is playing a vital role in it.

The developments indicate that at least Sindh has entered in the electioneering mode. The parties have started activities:contacts, restructuring, populist decisions, clarifications on allegations and clean chit from the courts. All is happening. All is happening now. Suffice to say, interesting times now and ahead.