THE virtually isolated leader of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has unilaterally formed a committee of senior leaders for negotiations but reaction so far from the Government side was not encouraging for him as key ministers have maintained that their rival crossed the red line on May 09. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that there could be no negotiations with Imran because he went too far in conspiring against the military at the behest of foreign forces.
It is quite obvious that the gesture of talks by the PTI leader is a highly belated move that comes at a time when he was facing a multitude of challenges including threats of disqualification and a ban on the party. It is also a matter of record that he showed no inclination for a dialogue when he was in a position of strength and, therefore, he finds no takers of the offer when batting on a weak and sticky wicket. In fact, the two sides were engaged in a constructive dialogue and some progress was also reported but the process was scuttled due to the unbending position of the PTI leadership. However, the political crisis is far from over and the dialogue process can still help calm down the overall situation in the country. No doubt, the PTI is faced with an unending process of desertions, many of its leaders and workers might be tried in military courts and, therefore, they might not be in a position to contest elections whenever held. But despite all this, it would be unrealistic to think that its vote bank can also be eliminated as per wishes of its political opponents. The political polarization is so deep and sharp that there are differences within families, tribes and communities and it would take a considerable time to heal societal wounds. As per constitutional requirements, general elections will have to be held at the completion of the term of present assemblies and a meaningful dialogue can create the right kind of atmosphere for the conduct of polls in a peaceful and friction-free environment. In the given situation, there is likelihood that the team designated by the PTI leadership for talks will adopt a realistic approach with the possibility of reaching a consensus on important electoral reforms that are a must to lend the required credibility to the electoral processes. The PTI leadership too needs to realize that it will have to shun its confusing stand on violent politics as talks are unlikely if it persists with its traditional narrative. There should be no ifs and buts and the May 09 violence and attacks on military installations and buildings must be condemned in an unqualified manner. Similarly, false propaganda campaign at home and abroad aimed at maligning the state institutions and law-enforcing agencies must also come to an end.
