Ousting Khurshid Shah probable should opposition unify

Pakistan

Ousting Khurshid Shah probable should opposition unify

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ISLAMABAD (Daily Dunya) -- There are numerous reports afloat connected with various opposition factions’ bid to dismiss Khurshid Shah as the opposition leader.

Apparently, this seems quite a tough task considering Pakistan’s current political scenario; however, it might well become a possibility if intra-opposition parties -- save PPP -- decide to get united. And Jamaat-e-Islami’s role will be of key significance in this stunning gambit.

Some sources claim that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, after successfully getting rid of Nawaz Sharif, has kicked off campaign to banish Khurshid Shah from the all-important opposition leader’s seat and, to this end, is actively corresponding with different political parties.

To get the desired outcome, sources claim, the PTI has even made contact with Muttahida Quami Movement – Pakistan. According to the rulebooks, the speaker of the national assembly is bound to ordain a member as opposition leader whose support lies with majority of members from the opposition.

At the moment, the breakdown of seats occupied by opposition parties is delineated below:

PTI would have to obtain backing from 60 opposition MNAs should it try to remove Shah. Although PTI and MQM-P cumulatively share 56 seats among them, their 7 to 9 members have already flouted their respective parties, and they would certainly not become a part of the deal. Thus, total share of PTI and MQM-P has been reduced to mere 47 to 49 seats. Add to this the potential support from PML-Q and others’ category, the number will surge to a maximum of 56 seats.

On the other side of the aisle, Syed Khurshid Ahmad Shah enjoys support from PPP’s 47, ANP’s 2 and others’ 6 to 7 members and this totals 55 to 56 members. In this process, Jamaat-e-Islami’s 4 MNAs will hold pivotal role, as whichever group succeeds in bagging JI’s support will come out on top.

Looking at current contours of Pakistani politics, it is highly unlikely that Siraj-ul-Haq will leave Khurshid Shah in hot waters. On top of that, if PTI does go ahead with this ambitious plan, the opposition will be plunged into the quagmire of unprecedented uncertainty, which would negatively impact the upcoming general election.