ISLAMABAD: As cracks within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership become more visible, an unexpected political opening has emerged but the country’s future political discourse still hinges on one man — Imran Khan.
In a significant development, five senior PTI leaders currently incarcerated in Kot Lakhpat Jail have publicly endorsed immediate dialogue between PTI and the ruling coalition. Their letter also supports talks with the security establishment but places greater emphasis on political negotiations between parties.
Government parties, including the PMLN and PPP, have been in favour of dialogue between political parties. “To secure democracy’s future, both sides must sit together and learn from the bitter experiences of the past,” said a senior PMLN leader, on condition of not being named.
The government is open to negotiations with the PTI to frame a democratic code of conduct and avoid further political polarisation. The PPP, a major partner in the coalition, has also been the advocate of political reconciliation.
Despite Imran Khan’s past refusal to engage politically with the government, senior PTI leadership now believes that dialogue is necessary and timely.
A senior PTI leader told this correspondent that but under two conditions: No preconditions should be set before talks begin and the dialogue should not be limited by artificial deadlines.
Meanwhile, in his social media statement, PMLN leader Khawaja Saad Rafique described the PTI leaders’ letter from jail as “significant and wise.” He urged both sides to embrace unconditional talks, noting that if enemy states can talk, why can’t we speak among ourselves.
He warned that any protest movement by PTI after Muharram would likely collapse due to harsh weather, weak internal organisation, intra-party groupings and a united state apparatus. Saad Rafique also emphasized the urgent need for a new and broader Charter of Democracy, warning that without such consensus, democracy’s future can’t be secured.
However, despite the evolving consensus within his own party and a clear invitation from government leaders including the prime minister, Imran Khan remains the decisive factor.
PTI’s jailed leadership may be ready for talks, and the government may be welcoming but Khan’s approval is still pending. Imran Khan has a history of inconsistency when it comes to dialogue.
In the past, he allowed talks between PTI and the government. Once negotiations began, he set conditions and gave a short deadline. Even before his own deadline expired, he abruptly called off the talks. Later, he stated that he would only talk to the establishment, which has shown no interest in engaging him. A senior PTI leader, requesting anonymity, acknowledged, “Talks only make sense if there are no preconditions and no deadlines. But ultimately, Imran Khan has to allow it.”
