In a series of recent events, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faces a challenging predicament that has significantly dimmed its electoral aspirations. Despite internal upheavals and leadership crises, murmurs of a mysterious ‘Plan C’ persist within party circles, particularly gaining traction on social media.
Originally, the elusive ‘Plan C’ involved the creation of a web portal, where names of all PTI-backed candidates would be listed, each assigned a unique symbol. This move aimed to assist voters in identifying PTI candidates in their respective constituencies. However, skeptics argue that even successful elections would render the party unable to secure reserved seats allocated through a proportional system.
With key PTI figures either incarcerated or in hiding, and others entangled in legal battles, no official statements on the matter have emerged from prominent party members. Nevertheless, behind-the-scenes deliberations persist regarding a potential post-election strategy aimed at organizing party members and securing reserved assembly seats.
Speculation abounds that the proposed strategy involves PTI-backed candidates affiliating with another political entity to form a coalition, increasing their chances of obtaining reserved seats. This move could also allay concerns among party members about potential coercion into joining other factions after being elected as independents.
The Majlis-e-Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen (MWM) emerges as a potential ally, with old photos circulating online of Barrister Gohar’s meetings with MWM leadership. Another consideration involves the JUI-Sherani, although recent events, including PTI’s severed alliance with the party in Sindh, may cast doubt on this option.
While some speculate about a potential alignment with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to counter the PMLN, Imran Khan has categorically rejected any alliance with the PPP during his interactions with reporters from Adiala Jail.
The Jamat-e-Islami (JI), a past ally in local government elections in Karachi, is also seen as a plausible destination for PTI-backed candidates. Hafiz Naeem’s call for scrutinizing PPP and PMLN’s intra-party elections aligns with PTI’s stance, though there is no apparent contact between the leadership of these parties.
As the PTI navigates through a challenging political landscape, the uncertainty surrounding ‘Plan C’ adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming elections, leaving both supporters and critics on edge.
