ISLAMABAD: Despite repeated efforts by some Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and ex-leaders to open a dialogue with the government and ease tensions with the military establishment, there has been no change in the party’s confrontational strategy.
The main impediment remains Imran Khan himself, whose uncompromising stance has blocked any move towards reconciliation.Sources say that a number of senior PTI figures — both inside and outside jail — have been quietly advocating for political dialogue, arguing that confrontation has only further isolated the party and worsened its prospects.
Their efforts, however, have failed to gain any success because of Imran Khan’s categorical opposition to any talks with the ruling political parties.
Just days after senior PTI leaders imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail publicly endorsed dialogue with the ruling coalition, Khan from Adiala jail had issued a strongly worded message rejecting the proposal outright.
In his July 8 statement, he declared that “The time for negotiations is over,” and announced a nationwide protest movement beginning in early August this year.
Khan’s message effectively nullified the conciliatory approach being pushed by his own senior leadership, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi and others, who had urged a more pragmatic path towards normalisation.