Political parties in the opposition seem to be gearing up for giving a tough time to the incumbent government. After the Panama Leaks got Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the crossfire of corruption allegations, the dust has still not settled over the issue of the terms of references (TORs) for a probe into the corruption allegations.

Political uncertainty increased after the prime minister went to the UK for a heart surgery. That complicated the political situation at home further, spewing rumours that something was cooking in the ‘corridors of power’ between the civil and military establishment. The fog cleared somewhat though after the prime minister came back home and chaired the first cabinet meeting in which he is reported to have taken some important decisions. But perhaps the most pertinent question is: Is the prime minister in control of the whole situation?

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As things stand, the opposition parties are getting ready to put up a big show of agitation against the PML-N government. But are they? There is a question mark over whether the main opposition parties -- the PTI and PPP -- will be able to finally set aside political differences and prove to be a major challenge to the Nawaz government, to the extent of making him resign or toppling the government itself. Is the PPP ready to leave its reputation of playing a friendly opposition behind?

A lot now rests with the PML-N leadership -- if it will show political acumen or deal with the political challenges impulsively.