THE hitherto moribund political atmosphere has picked up a pulse. With the PML-N and MQM announcing they will be joining hands, the political wheeling and dealing that precedes every election has begun in earnest. Over the coming weeks, the reconfiguration of the political landscape will be a topic for intense speculation and debate. It will be interesting to see what new alliances emerge from the current context. It is amusing to observe the MQM joining hands with a new `partner` to seek, for the umpteenth time, a charter to address the problems of urban Sindh. The party has by now built a formidable reputation for its ability to manoeuvre to the right side of every new government, but this marriage of convenience is still likely to be a hard sell for its constituencies.

It is perhaps due to this realisation that the MQM has denied reports of an `alliance` with the PML-N and played it down as a mere `seat adjustment`.

It also seems that the long-foretold parting of ways between the PPP and PML-N is nigh. The parties have had an uneasy relationship since August, and a PML-N-led coalition seeking inroads into the PPP`s turf may prove the last straw for Messrs Asif Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. While the former has welcomed the challenge, the PPP is growing increasingly antsy about what it sees as collusion between PML-N and the security establishment. To counter the PML-N, PPP has said it is open to a deal with the PTI in Punjab. It is doubtful if such an arrangement can materialise given how strongly the two parties have been opposed to each other. But politics, as they say, is the art of the possible, and one cannot rule out surprises as long as Mr Zardari is in the game.

It also remains to be seen which way Jahangir Tareen`s Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party is going to lean in the days ahead.

The IPP has the clout and resources to make a strong showing in south Punjab, and both the PML-N and PPP would want it on their side because of their own weakened positions. Given the direction the MQM has chosen, IPP may soon follow suit.

However, till that happens, the province remains wide open especially if the PTI remains subject to the ongoing state crackdown and is forced to either sit out or fight the upcoming elections with its hands tied. In KP, the JUI-F has remained close to PML-N, but recent developments seem to suggest a cooling relationship. A meeting between the party`s chief and several PTI leaders recently sparked considerable speculation.

Was it a flash in the pan or the start of something unexpected? We may not have to wait too long before we find out.