Karachi Political Diary by Mubasher Mir

The People's Party won the by-election for two upper house seats in Sindh province. However, a different situation has arisen in the Senate election because an independent candidate, Faisal Vawda, has filed nomination papers. Although he is not currently a member of any party, there is a perception in political circles that he is close to the establishment and predicts the decisions of the Power House. Ostensibly presenting himself as a political intellectual, his opinions on TV talk shows often give the impression that he is an informant. Sheikh Rasheed has also been doing this work for a long time. But now Faisal Vawda seems to be assuming a similar role. He has also pulled off many stunts regarding his political position. During his time in PTI, there were often discussions in the media circles about why Imran Khan accepted everything he said. Now, a similar situation is being observed again, this time from MQM. He met Asif Ali Zardari a few weeks ago. Some time ago, he spent a significant amount of money on his daughter's wedding, which was discussed in social circles. Faisal Vawda's nomination papers have been suggested and endorsed by the MQM Assembly Members, and it has also been decided at the party level that MQM will support Faisal Vawda. One wonders why MQM is willing to give a seat solely out of affection.

The comments of the Sindh Chief Minister on the expected situation are revealing. He stated that it is surprising that members are not bound by the party's decision in the elections for the Speaker, the President, and the members of the Senate. He said that this logic does not make sense. Although he had been appreciating his party's vision and leadership on the constitution and the 18th amendment, instead of being surprised, he should have directed his questions to his party leadership, especially Mian Raza Rabbani. The question must be asked: why have the members of the assembly been given freedom from the party's policy for these three elections?

In the Upper House election, the People's Party will likely succeed in securing more seats. It will receive support from the Muslim League-N and MQM for the Chairman Senate.

The People's Party has recently formed a very short cabinet in Sindh, with MQM becoming a part of their alliance. Cabinet expansion can only happen after the election of the Chairman Senate is completed. Polling for the Senate will be held on April 2.

The MQM has become a part of the coalition government, but it still needs to resolve issues separately with the Muslim League-N and the People's Party to become a partner in power. For the federation, they talk to the Muslim League-N, while in the province, they are indebted to the People's Party. However, one thing is reassuring for them: they are also very close to the power corridors and will use the same channels to meet their demands, somewhat akin to a one-window operation.

President Asif Ali Zardari visited Karachi after assuming office and paid respects at the shrine of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It is customary that after assuming a high position, Fatiha is recited at the shrine of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the sacrifices of Quaid-e-Azam and his companions are remembered for the attainment of the country. Although Asif Ali Zardari holds a constitutional position, the people of Sindh have expectations from him due to the government's presence in the province. This time, he has also promised to deliver better performance.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also reiterated that he will personally oversee the affairs of the Sindh government, and the task of serving the people of the provincial government will be completed. Although the People's Party faces heavy criticism in this regard, they must address public issues to safeguard their political reputation. People are struggling to solve basic problems in both Karachi and Sindh. It's surprising that political parties gain power by making promises to the people, yet when they come to power, the people present their demands to their own representatives to solve their problems, leading to a different style of struggle that appears to be a mockery of the people's needs. Prior to the Sindh government, the Mayor of Karachi also made lofty claims to solve these issues, but there have been no signs of improvement in the water supply and sewage system, which is tragic.

Former President Dr. Arif Alvi has relocated to Karachi after his retirement. The federal government has allotted him an official residence in Clifton, Karachi. Protocol and other privileges will also be provided. Surprisingly, Dr. Arif Alvi has his own house in Karachi and also runs a family business. He could have reduced government expenditure and set a good example considering the economic problems in the country, but unfortunately, this did not happen.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf plans to hold a large rally in Karachi, and Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur has also been invited. In this regard, a video of Haleem Adil Sheikh, the head of the Sindh Organization, along with Gandapur, has also been released. Now, an arrest warrant has been issued for Gandapur.

Tehreek-e-Insaf intends to intensify its protest politics, as expressed by its leaders in the National Assembly. Politically, if parties fail to recognize each other, it will lead to unrest and anxiety in the country, hindering economic stability.

The country's economy is currently entirely dependent on the success of negotiations with the IMF. The impression is strengthening that there is no other option besides this. However, the government is unwilling to reduce its non-productive expenses. People are criticizing the amount spent on protocols and privileges, yet the government officials remain silent. As a result, trust in the government among the people is not being restored.

Mian Nawaz Sharif may make an important decision in the near future to withdraw the Presidency of PML-N from Shehbaz Sharif.