PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari delivered a critical message during the party’s 57th foundation day address on Saturday. In his speech, he emphasized urgent need for political stability, asserting that it must be achieved “either through dialogue or by force.” While his call for political stability is undoubtedly essential, it is crucial to stress that dialogue, not force, should be the primary tool to restore stability and address deep-rooted challenges the country is currently grappling with.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Pakistan is experiencing one of the difficult periods in its history. The political instability of recent years has inflicted deep scars, with far-reaching consequences. Perhaps the most alarming is growing polarisation within society, which has fostered an environment of heightened intolerance. The unwillingness to listen to opposing views has only deepened the divide, preventing any collaborative solutions. This polarisation, while primarily a political issue, has seeped into the very fabric of society, eroding social cohesion. Bilawal Bhutto is right to argue that political stability is the cornerstone for any economic recovery. Political turbulence creates an atmosphere of uncertainty that hampers investment, disrupts trade and stifles economic growth.
Without political stability, even best intentioned economic policies will fail. Moreover, the country is facing increased terror attacks. This is precisely the kind of crisis that led to creation of the National Action Plan (NAP) following tragic Army Public School (APS) attack in 2014. The NAP was a product of political consensus, forged across party lines in the aftermath of a national tragedy. Its implementation helped Pakistan make significant strides in combating terrorism, and it stands as a testament to power of political unity. This experience serves as a valuable lesson: when political forces unite, they can confront and overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Thus, the need for dialogue has never been more urgent. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s call for political engagement resonates with the national need for reconciliation. Encouragingly, a similar message has come from within the opposition ranks. Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the vice-chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), also has echoed the importance of national reconciliation and the need for a national consensus to stabilise the political landscape. This is a significant development, as it signals that key figures within the opposition are willing to de-escalate tensions and seek common ground, rather than perpetuating the cycle of hostility and divisions.
For this dialogue to be effective, both government and opposition will have to demonstrate the flexibility to compromise. Surely, this will not be an easy task. However, the stakes could not be higher. If political leaders on all sides remain entrenched in their positions, they risk destabilising the country. An earnest dialogue requires both sides to move away from rigid postures, abandon language of confrontation and instead focus on what is best for the nation. The goal should be a shared vision for Pakistan’s future, one that transcends party politics and embraces wider interests of the country.
The political leadership should come together to create a roadmap for national recovery. This means finding solutions that address pressing economic and security challenges but also promoting healing of the nation’s fractured political landscape. In addition to restoring internal confidence, a commitment to dialogue would also send a strong message to international community. In recent weeks, Pakistan’s internal strife has attracted unwanted global attention, casting the country in an unfavourable light. Images of political unrest and divisiveness do not inspire confidence among foreign investors or diplomatic allies. On the contrary, a commitment to national dialogue would convey to the world that political leadership is capable of putting national interests above partisan divides, fostering stability and ensuring a prosperous future for all.
