Experts weigh in on Gandapur, Shehbaz meeting
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.