PTI at D-Chowk

As PTI managed to overwhelm D-Chowk and bring its three days of long march on the federal capital to its zenith, it's a nail-biting situation on the political and administrative fronts. The 'Final Call' from former PM Imran Khan to rally for the resurrection of the February 8 mandate and release of political prisoners, including himself, has attained unprecedented success. It is a fact that supporters and workers of PTI braved all odds to assemble in the capital city. It is also a reality that peripheries, especially K-P, Balochistan and South Punjab, were at the vanguard as the twin-cities and Central Punjab preferred to stay away.

Baton-charge, tear-gassing and clashes with the security forces are now fine-print catalogs of the movement, and the million-dollar question is: what next? An overnight clash that left four paramilitary personnel dead, along with a cop, are unfortunate filings of the protest. The government's thrust to deal with protesters physically by bringing life to a standstill has backfired. Last but not least, scenes of agitators embracing men in uniform at the twilight of their march near the Red Zone hints at some consolation.

The triumphant speech by Bushra Bibi, flanked by the K-P CM, has frenzied the sizable crowd in the heart of the capital as they vowed to stage a sit-in. After failure to deal with the PTI through muscle-flexing and striking a preemptive deal, now is the time to usher in a perpetual political solution. It's a must that leaders from all the political parties must huddle for talking it out and let politics of people make headway, rather than giving way to undesired steps in exigency.

It is regrettable that the PTI has chosen a path of 'marching on' time and again with intimidation to press on for its demands, as this is no way to seek release of imprisoned leaders in the midst of lawful prosecution. Likewise, the state too should not weaponise law and browbeat dissent. With national life suspended and law and order situation taking a battering, it's time for both the PTI and the government to give up their egoistic attitudes, and opt for a lawful give and take.