THE protests in Punjab, Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan were anticipated as a show of demonstration; however, it was more like anything but. The streets, which were supposed to be filled with supporters and passersby, were shunned and bare except for normal traffic and markets open for trade. The resounding message from the people was clear: life moves on, and this political theatrics has failed to capture public interest.
The disinterest is not a mere accident of timing; it’s symptomatic of a growing fatigue among Pakistanis. What’s worse, yesterday’s political tomfoolery and shifting alliances continue today, coating every new call to arms in doubt. This time around, internal factions within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf have heightened the extent of apathy. The PTI is no longer a united force but a veritable arena for showcasing ego and rival ambitions.
The Rift Within: Once hailed as a harbinger of change, PTI has devolved into a fractured coalition led by Aleema Khan and Bushra Bibi. Their public power struggle highlights disunity, overshadowing pressing concerns. While Bushra pushes for protests, Ali Amin Gandapur’s casual approach, like pausing for “nashta” at Burhan Interchange, underscores a lack of urgency. This internal discord has eroded the party’s credibility, leaving supporters disillusioned as leaders prioritize power over purpose.
KP: Leadership Crisis amid Governance Chaos: Once hailed as a harbinger of change, PTI in KP is now divided between rival factions led by Aleema Khan and Bushra Bibi, embroiled in a public power struggle. Both prioritize consolidating power over addressing pressing issues like law and order. This neglect endangers KP, given its strategic importance and turbulent history, with potential repercussions on both provincial and national levels.
A Nation Focused on Normalcy: While PTI scrambles to project relevance, the rest of the nation appears to have moved on. Markets throughout Punjab, Sindh, and beyond buzz with activity. Families are preparing for the imminent winter season, students are attending classes, and businesses are engaged with end-year inventories. The overwhelming normalcy across the country starkly contrasts with the chaos PTI leaders are attempting to manufacture.
The Global Lens: Belarusian President’s Visit: Adding to this dynamic was the ongoing visit of the President of Belarus. This diplomatic engagement underscores Pakistan’s focus on rebuilding international partnerships and fostering economic ties. For a country struggling with economic and political instability, such visits are a reminder of the larger stakes at play—stakes that require stability, not perpetual agitation.
The End of the Road? The failure of these protests marks a pivotal moment for PTI. The party must reckon with its diminishing relevance and the consequences of its internal discord. While Bushra Bibi and Aleema Khan wrestle for control, the party’s base is eroding, and its narrative is losing steam.
Pakistanis are tired of being pawns in an endless power struggle. They want governance, not grandstanding; solutions, not slogans. Until PTI, or any other political entity, learns to prioritize the people over personal power plays, the streets will remain silent—not in fear, but in quiet defiance of the politics of distraction. The writing is on the wall for PTI and others like it: the public’s patience is not infinite.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
