In a major political breakthrough, the interim government on Tuesday reached out to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership, signalling an effort to create an environment conducive for the upcoming general elections.
The day witnessed a flurry of unusual political activities as meetings that appeared to lay the groundwork for the polls opened the lines of communication with foes and erstwhile allies alike.
The development followed on the heels of Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar’s promise to provide a level-playing field to all political parties.
While caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi engaged in discussions with senior PTI central leader Shafqat Mahmood at his residence, the PTI's leadership also had an audience with President Dr Arif Alvi.
In a similar vein, Solangi also held meetings with PML-N’s Ishaq Dar and Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, together with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
It is noteworthy that, a day earlier, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarian (PPPP) President Asif Ali Zardari also met with the JUI-F chief. Although the primary purpose of the visit was to express condolences, the official statement stated that discussions also touched upon the prevailing political situation in the country.
With the general elections just around the corner – announced to be held in the last week of January 2024 – the momentum of meetings indicates that the political parties have rolled up their sleeves to hammer out a future course of action.
‘PTI committed to broader national reconciliation’
During the Solangi-Shafqat meeting, the two leaders delved into strategies aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all parties, minimising political tensions before the general elections and securing transparent and unbiased elections.
Emphasising the significance of an impartial electoral process, Mahmood conveyed to the interim government that the PTI was committed to a broader national reconciliation.
However, he underlined that the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders were imperative to cultivate an environment conducive to fair elections in the country. Both sides underscored the need for promoting harmony and understanding at a national level, highlighting the necessity of equitable opportunities for all participants in the political arena.
Expressing apprehensions about the consequences of an uneven electoral environment, Mahmood cautioned that credibility and acceptance of the upcoming polls among the populace would be at stake, saying PTI was ready to extend full cooperation for the conduct of elections in accordance with the constitution.
Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had announced that the general elections were scheduled to take place in the final week of Jan 2024.
‘PTI open for dialogue with establishment’
Meanwhile, PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan and Barrister Umair Niazi held a meeting with President Dr Arif Alvi.
Hasan stated that all the topics that the PTI addresses in party gatherings and communicates through official statements were thoroughly discussed with the president.
One can refer to the party's statements to gauge the ongoing discussions within PTI, he added.
It is noteworthy that a glance at the party statements reveals its key demands, including the one for elections within 90 days and a level-playing field.
Read more: Only ‘law-abiding’ PTI leaders to contest elections: PM
It has also been condemning the detention of party leaders and workers in the wake of the May 9 incident and has regretted prevailing “lawlessness” and the “failure” and the justice system. Similarly, it has also alleged that the state intended to “punish” PTI chairman Imran Khan in the cypher case, similar to the predetermined decision made in the Toshakhana case.
Interestingly, the information secretary shared with The Express Tribune that “PTI is open for dialogue with the establishment,” saying there was nothing new in it as the PTI leader had previously formed a committee for this purpose.
Hasan, in response to a query about the role President Alvi can play, pointed out that every individual can contribute and so does the president who holds the position of the head of the state and the supreme commander of the armed forces of Pakistan.
‘PTI frequently meeting Alvi’
While refusing to share specifics, Hasan also revealed that PTI has been meeting President Alvi at frequent intervals of a week or 10 days and discussing issues of national importance, including Imran Khan’s imprisonment and cases.
He, however, clarified that Imran’s cases were before the courts and they would be decided there, reiterating that all the matters in the party’s official statements come under discussion with President Alvi.
About frequent meetings, he said only the president could answer why he chose to share the news about PTI officials’ meeting with him with media on Tuesday and didn’t do it on previous occasions. His official tweet had disclosed about the meeting, stating that “key issues bearing national importance came up for discussion.”
Solangi meets Maulana
Separately, the caretaker information minister held a meeting with the JUI-F chief and reiterated the caretaker government’s firm resolve to hold the general elections in time in a free, fair and transparent manner.
During the meeting held at the residence of Fazl, the minister condoled over the demise of his mother-in-law and offered prayers for the departed soul. The overall political situation, including the upcoming general elections, also came under discussion during the meeting.
Read More: HRCP slams Kakar for polls sans Imran remarks
Solangi said it was the caretaker government’s responsibility to provide a level-playing field to all the political parties. All-out efforts were being made to ensure elections in a democratic and peaceful way, he said, adding that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was an independent and autonomous body and the caretaker government would fully assist the ECP.
Fazl appreciated the government’s efforts to address economic issues and also assured his full cooperation during the electoral process.
Maulana’s formula
Speaking informally to journalists in Islamabad on Tuesday, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman called on all political parties to foster a political climate that’s conducive to democracy, cautioning that the widening gulf and a failure to create “room for each other” will result in suffering for everyone involved.
The JUI-F emir stressed “the time has come for politicians and political parties to show maturity,” he asserted.
“Political space is a must, and it should be created even with differences of opinion. The paramount priority is the supremacy of the parliament.”
He warned that every party would ultimately suffer the consequences of not allowing a political space. “If political parties do not create space for each other, it will impede the progress of democracy and hinder solutions to national problems,” he added.
Furthermore, he emphasised the significance of maintaining strong relationships within the political sphere.
‘Old ties with Bhutto family'
The Maulana, whose party has been lately locking horns with PPP over the scheduling polls, also seemed to offer an olive branch to its erstwhile ally and noted that despite political differences, the old ties with Asif Ali Zardari and the Bhutto family should be acknowledged and respected.
“We participate in each other’s joys and sorrows despite our differences, as political chaos and distractions will not strengthen democracy nor solve national problems,” he emphasized, saying creating space between political parties would benefit not only one party but all political factions.
“The strength of democracy lies in democratic attitudes and not in stubbornness. A politician can hold differing opinions, but they should not become victims of political chaos,” added the JUI chief.
The PDM chief underlined that the solution to Pakistan’s problems did not solely depend on any individual or party but rather on achieving economic development and stability through political and internal unity.
“While we are aware of our past, we must now move forward by focusing on enhancing political capacities for democracy,” he asserted.
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