Is London Once Again the Centre of Pakistan’s Next Political Move?

Zardari, Bilawal, Mohsin Naqvi and other key figures are in London is a new political formula being negotiated?

By Safina Khan

London is once again emerging as a focal point of Pakistani politics.

Several of Pakistan’s most influential political figures are currently in London. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and other prominent figures are here at the same time.

Their presence has inevitably triggered a fresh wave of political speculation.

The question is not simply why these personalities are in London.

The bigger question is:

Is London once again being used as a place where Pakistan’s next political scenario is being discussed and negotiated?

London has long held a special place in Pakistan’s political landscape. Over the years, major political consultations, meetings and discussions about the future direction of Pakistani politics have frequently been linked to the city.

And once again, some of the biggest names in Pakistan’s political arena are here.

According to political sources, more senior figures from Pakistan may arrive in London in the coming days. Of course, every individual may have their own reason for being here, but when several key players are in the same city at the same time, questions are bound to arise.

Is Sindh the real battleground?

Some time ago, I raised the possibility that a major political development could emerge from Sindh, potentially affecting one of the province’s most powerful political establishments.

Now, information emerging from political circles is adding further weight to that discussion.

According to sources, President Asif Ali Zardari is facing increasing pressure over the question of creating new provinces in Pakistan.

Sources claim that the PPP may be more open to the creation of new provinces in Punjab. However, any proposal involving the division of Sindh is believed to be a far more sensitive issue for both Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

This is where another possible political formula reportedly enters the picture.

According to political sources, one option being discussed could involve changing the Chief Minister of Sindh and bringing in a woman as chief minister in an attempt to reduce political pressure and buy more time for the provincial government.

The political message would essentially be:

Instead of immediately creating new provinces, demonstrate change through governance and performance first.

If such a formula is genuinely being considered, the coming weeks could prove extremely significant for Sindh’s politics.

Is Bilawal Bhutto Zardari the biggest political card?

This is where the political equation becomes even more interesting.

According to sources, Asif Ali Zardari is resisting certain proposals and may be seeking a significant political bargain.

One of the strongest cards reportedly on the table is the possibility of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari becoming Prime Minister.

Sources claim that if an acceptable political formula is reached to make Bilawal Prime Minister, Asif Ali Zardari could potentially become more flexible on some of the difficult questions surrounding Sindh.

This is, however, a major political claim and has not been independently verified.

But Pakistani politics has repeatedly demonstrated that the most important decisions are not always the ones made in public. Sometimes, the real political story is what is being discussed behind closed doors.

Is PMLN choosing to remain inside the system?

There is also an important discussion taking place around the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN).

According to political sources, there is growing recognition within the party that completely abandoning the existing political system may not be the most effective strategy.

Instead, remaining within the system, maintaining political space and continuing to play an active role could be seen as a more practical approach.

For the Sharif family, political survival has always been closely linked to remaining relevant in the political arena. Staying inside the system could not only preserve their own political space but also create room for the next generation.

In simple terms:

Rather than walking away from the system, the strategy may be to remain inside it and influence its future direction.

And then there is the Imran Khan option

This could be the most important consideration for both the PMLN and the PPP.

According to political sources, the possibility of bringing Imran Khan and the PTI back into a political process has not completely disappeared.

This is an option that Pakistan’s traditional political players are well aware of.

The argument within some political circles is that if the PML-N and PPP move too far away from the existing political framework, or attempt to exert pressure from outside the system, the establishment still has the option of engaging with Imran Khan and PTI.

And perhaps this is precisely the reality forcing all political players to reassess their strategies.

Is political change now becoming inevitable?

One thing appears increasingly clear from the current political landscape:

Pakistan’s political system cannot continue indefinitely in exactly its current form.

According to political sources, the focus among powerful circles is no longer simply about forming or removing governments. There is growing emphasis on creating a political and governance framework capable of delivering results to the people.

Because if the public receives no meaningful relief, governance does not improve, the economy remains under pressure and political parties remain focused primarily on the distribution of power, then the obvious question is:

How long can this system continue?

Where does Shehbaz Sharif stand?

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s position is also crucial in this entire political equation.

According to sources, Shehbaz Sharif remains in a strong position and is viewed favourably by powerful circles. Sources further claim that if a new political formula requires a change at the top, he would not necessarily stand in the way of such a transition.

That leaves three major possibilities being discussed in political circles:

Does Shehbaz Sharif remain Prime Minister?
Does Mohsin Naqvi emerge as a potential Prime Minister?
Or is the road being prepared for Bilawal Bhutto Zardari?

The answer may not be decided solely within the walls of Parliament.

And that is precisely why London’s current political activity matters.

What will be decided in London?

It would be premature to claim that a final political deal is being negotiated in London.

But it is equally difficult to ignore the significance of having several of Pakistan’s most important political figures in the city at the same time.

The reason for their visits may be anything.

The meetings may be taking place under any title.

But in Pakistani politics, when major players gather in one place, political journalists have a responsibility to ask questions.

And my question is simple:

Is the foundation for Pakistan’s next political scenario being laid in London?

Is a major decision regarding Sindh approaching?

Is Bilawal Bhutto Zardari being positioned for the Prime Minister’s office?

Is a larger political role being prepared for Mohsin Naqvi?

Would Shehbaz Sharif be willing to step aside if a broader national political formula required it?

And above all:

Is Pakistan preparing for a new political system and a new political settlement?

The coming days may provide the answers.

For now, one thing is certain:

Something significant appears to be brewing in Pakistani politics and right now, the political winds seem to be blowing from London.

Safina Khan