Spring is in the air. And as is characteristic of our political history, every other season brings with it a unique political environment. If one were to go with the rumours in the air, it appears that the country’s parliamentary opposition may just well be preparing to give the government a tough time in March.

With mainstream opposition political parties suggesting that the coming month may bring with it political challenges for the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government, all eyes are set on the next big announcements from both the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples Party. But given the arrests of major opposition leaders, there are those who suggest the opposition is being systematically silenced closing all doors on political dissent. In such an environment how many will truly agitate?

Maulana Fazlur Rehman has been staging protests against the government since last year, when he held a sit-in in the capital. Following what he claimed were assurances from some unnamed but powerful quarters regarding the removal of the PTI-led government in the Centre, he decided to wrap up his agitation campaign. With March round the corner, the Maulana has once again threatened to return to the streets if his demands are not met, again.

The government continues to live in its tabdeeli bubble. But reports suggest that all is not well in paradise. There is unrest within coalition partners, especially in matters relating to Punjab. With the government being criticised for its failure to govern, in the wake of rising inflation and the ongoing wheat and sugar crisis, the PTI appears to be struggling at all ends.

But how real are these threats to the sustainability of the PTI government? That is the real question. In our Special Report this week, we try to answer this question.