Political analysts have hailed the recent contact between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and emphasised that genuine reconciliation can not be achieved through coercive measures.
“Political reconciliation is an excellent thing and it should be the pathway through which the country can get out of the quagmire in which it is trapped,” said Chief Editor of The Express Tribune Naveed Hussain while speaking on Express News political talk show Experts' moderated by anchor Dua Jamil.
In his critique of the government's so-called reconciliation efforts with PTI, Hussain underscored that no one can be brought to the reconciliation table by force and pointed out the dual standards of the government.
He added that on one hand meetings have taking place and on the other hand, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was summoned by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in an assets case and a petition was filed against the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
Referring to the election, the senior journalist observed that despite "election engineering", manipulation was also done post-elections when it appeared PTI was emerging on top.
Hussain maintained that if the government expects one party to be abused and still be approachable for reconciliation while the government does not show flexibility on its part, then reconciliation might not be possible.
The chief editor further said the PTI was being told to focus on their province and not bother with other issues.
Group Editor of Daily Express Ayaz Khan said a functional relationship between PTI and the government is possible, however, he expressed reservations regarding the political approach of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Ayaz termed the meeting between K-P chief minister and the premier a good start and a breakthrough of sorts. “I think this working relationship will have to be built upon and the PTI should maintain the pressure it is applying."
The senior analyst underscored the importance of flexibility from both sides to advance the negotiations. He criticised the government's decision to ban meetings with Imran, expressing concern that this might be an attempt to hinder the PTI founder's ability to finalise Senate candidates.
Ayaz also emphasised the necessity for positive signals from the government, stressing the importance of reciprocal responses from PTI.
Express News Bureau Chief Islamabad Amir Ilyas Rana was of the opinion that Gandapur's meeting with Shehbaz was a "conspiracy" as the K-P CM has been summoned by the ECP.
The bureau chief alleged that individuals affiliated with PTI initiated a campaign in the US aimed at halting GSP Plus benefits for Pakistan. Rana asserted that following PTI's communication with the IMF, the information minister conducted a comprehensive news conference, highlighting the exceptional treatment being afforded to Imran, including privileges unprecedented in Pakistan.
Express News Bureau Chief Karachi Faisal Husain said if the meeting between Gandapur and the prime minister is not conducted through intimidation, it is a welcom change.
"However, the solution lies in negotiation. Progress will be made when Imran engages not with Shehbaz but with the state. The day that reconciliation and talks are done, there will be no need for Shehbaz Sharif or PML-N” Faisal stressed.
He highlighted that if the PTI is being intimidated, the hands of the PML-N are not free either. "The government can't bring its own finance minister, interior minister, prime minister, or foreign minister and even can't make the party chief the prime minister."
Express News Bureau Chief Lahore Mohammad Ilyas also emphasised a working relationship which has to be established as the province has to receive the NFC fund and royalty from the federation.
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