HE `resignation` of five PML-N lawmakers has once again spurred speculation about an imminent breakup of the ruling party. These five members have entrusted their resignation letters to their spiritual leader, or pir, who has been in the forefront of the campaign demanding that Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah be sacked over his comments about a minority community. These resignations were handed over in a grand show in Faisalabad on Sunday, which highlighted the growing threat to the existence of the PML-N government and how the religious element could talce the conflict to an altogether new level. This fresh assault on the government could quickly discredit it to the point where its ouster would become inevitable. Having said that, the kind of momentum that some were expecting this campaign, which is based on a religious issue, to gain is as yet absent. Maybe the opposition groups have too many potential alliance partners to consider, even though the sole objective is to destabilise, en route to dislodging, the PML-N government.

This has been a truly remarkable chapter. The way in which the PML-N has survived as a party ever since its disqualified leader had to step down as prime minister, is unique. In the past, parties pitted against similar odds have wilted or split at the slightest pretext.

Hence it was no surprise that many observers declared that the staying powers of a PML-N under so much pressure was a sign of the maturing of Pakistani democracy, notwithstanding the sops the leadership was alleged to have offered to keep the party intact. But if felicitations for its resistance to the old disintegration formula are well earned, the PML-N is still facing a challenge. There has been an upsurge in the activity to create a united front against the party and whereas the opposition is so far divided in many camps, we know from history that it doesn`t take too long for the most disparate of politicians here to connect the dots and come together for a common cause.

The PML-N realises this. It has assigned some of its most vociferous members the job of blasting opposition alliances in the making. The firebrand Leaguers are revelling in the space in which they are able to roar. And for a true measure of just how sensitive the situation is, the rather low-profile prime minister was the other day found offering a terse riposte to those striving to cobble together a common front against his party. The aggression shown by the PML-N against those opposing it on political rather than religious issues may also be part of an attempt to divert attention from its troubles vis-à-vis the very dangerous religious elements. In the long run, however, the party would be well advised to prepare for a front, or fronts, which comprise a variety of opponents.