There are hundreds of true and false allegations against Asif Ali Zardari, but whether he is a supporter or an opponent, everyone will definitely agree that he is a believer in reconciliation and understanding from the heart. He ended the decades-long rivalry with the ruling party, which gave power and convenience to the PPP, and the era of difficulties ended, but as a result of this reconciliation, the PPP lost its anti-establishment vote in Punjab and Pakhtunkhwa. He made another big reconciliation with the PML-N, which created a two-party system in the country, and mutual hatred ended. Both parties got the opportunity to complete their terms, but in return, the PPP and President Zardari suffered a huge setback in Punjab because as a result of the reconciliation with the PML-N, Punjabi voters and election horses went to the PTI because they considered reconciliation with the PML-N in their respective constituencies as a sign of the end of their politics. In the February 2024 elections, Bilawal Bhutto adopted an anti-Nawaz Sharif and PML-N narrative in the election campaign, but immediately after the elections, Asif Zardari did not delay in extending his hand of cooperation to the PML-N and helped the PML-N at every stage by becoming the president in the reconciliation government under the shadow of the ruling party. Be it the 26th Amendment or any anti-government issue, he stood firmly with the government, but in response, the federal government’s attitude towards him is cold-hearted, while the Punjab government’s attitude towards his party is adversarial.

The President of Pakistan is considered the symbol of the federation, but this position is symbolic and showy. The source of power in the state is the Prime Minister, i.e. the Chief Executive. The President is constitutionally bound by the advice of the Prime Minister, but to honor the position of the President, he is given the status of number one in state protocol. The Prime Minister comes after him in protocol, the President has been retained as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. In addition to these showy powers, Article 46 of the Constitution clearly states in the duties of the Prime Minister with respect to the President that the Prime Minister is constitutionally bound to inform the President of Pakistan about the cabinet, legislative and administrative affairs, and to keep the President of Pakistan informed about the affairs of the federation. According to my information, this constitutional responsibility is not being fulfilled with regard to the President of Pakistan. Let alone the constitutional responsibility, he is not being consulted on future strategy even as a political ally. It can be easily claimed that President Zardari’s hands are tied. Asif Ali Zardari, who was called the “King of Reconciliation”, is now as helpless as the king of cards. On one hand, he is burdened by the non-fulfillment of the PPP’s demands, on the other hand, he is under pressure from his beloved but stubborn and angry son Bilawal Bhutto, while the fact is that the federal government is not even fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities towards the President. He is not being consulted on the policy regarding Imran Khan. When he went to Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif neither welcomed him nor went to meet him, although according to protocol and traditions, she should have done so. The agreement written with the PPP in Punjab has not yet been implemented, promises are being made but there is no sign of implementation of these promises.

Despite President Zardari’s practical helplessness, the PPP neither intends to break the alliance with the PML-N nor is there any possibility of an alliance with the PTI in the near future. But it seems that instead of working with President Zardari’s spirit of reconciliation, he has been cornered. It seems that the PPP has decided that it will not go with the PPP in the future. Maulana Fazlur Rehman has a few votes and is neither an ally of the government nor does he help it in times of difficulty, but the government is always busy in begging to keep him happy, while the PML-N government does not even feel grateful for the PPP’s cooperation. According to PPP insiders, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s attitude is relatively good, but Nawaz Sharif does not meet President Asif Zardari, does not keep in touch, and does not feel the need for advice. Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s behavior is also similar to her father’s. Although a few months ago, in a meeting in Islamabad, Asif Zardari expressed his condolences to Maryam Nawaz in a compassionate manner, the PPP did not receive any positive signals in response.

It is said that Prime Minister Shahbaz’s government is achieving successes in the economic field with the help of the ruling party, but politically this government is riding on a paper plane. There is no political narrative, no public support, and no means of consultation and communication with the public. The alliance between the ruling party and the Shahbaz government will remain strong as long as the threat of the PTI is hovering around the ruling party. As soon as this threat is averted and there is some form of understanding, many new paths will open for the ruling party. The Shahbaz government has come into existence through politics, but they do not pay attention to politics. They are in power with the PPP, but they are not ready to give importance to President Zardari or the PPP. If the Shahbaz government continues with this attitude, the national government that is to be formed in the fourth year of its power can also be formed in the second or third year.

History tells us that a government whose allies and partners are dissatisfied, find it difficult to work, and feel that they are being deliberately ignored and are not getting the respect and honor they deserve, cannot last long. The powerful are the biggest patrons of this government and they are helping the government beyond their capacity. Is the government also giving the powerful public support? The PPP is an ally of the federal government. Has the federal government been able to make it cry? The biggest threat to the current government is the narrative of justice. Has it been able to break this narrative till date? Whether power is obtained through charity or due to someone else’s opposition, it can be protected only by maintaining strong relations with its patrons, aides and allies. If President Zardari’s tied hands are untied, the federal government will be strong. If his hands remain tied, the federal government will also be politically paralyzed!!