Why PTI won't engage with govt
The PML-N led government and the PTI came close to sitting across the table to settle their longstanding differences and bring much-needed political stability in the country last week.
However, before things could move in that direction, the two rivals once again started drifting away in the opposite directions after linking talks with certain conditions.
The stalemate was briefly broken when PTI leader Asad Qaiser met National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to offer condolences over his sister's death where both the incumbent and former NA speakers agreed that it was time to put their heads together.
The PML-N and the PTI leaders had agreed to open a formal communication channel to replace confrontation with constructive dialogue, saying committees of both the parties should sit down and hash out the thorny issues in parliament.
However, before the committees could go behind closed doors to discuss a way forward, PTI leadership started readjusting its position to give an impression that it was not "begging for talks".
On the other hand, some PML-N leaders demanded that the PTI should first withdraw its call for a civil disobedience movement and get full mandate from jailed PTI founder Imran Khan for holding meaningful talks to avoid what happened the last time when talks had abruptly ended.
Now, some experts have listed down at least six reasons that have been causing hindrances in holding meaningful negotiations between the two sides.
Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat) President Ahmed Bilal Mehboob said three factors have disrupted the talks.
"The first reason is that the government feels that its bargaining position has improved after the failure of the PTI's agitation of November 24-26."
He said the PTI is also confused as to whether the talks should be unconditional or based on conditions, saying different leaders are speaking differently and there seems to be no unified position.
"Imran Khan is quite prone to veto the understanding reached between his nominees and the government. The government therefore is not sure whether talks have any use or not."
However, he said, his impression is that some level of contact is there between the PTI and the government though Imran Khan may not be directly involved.
Prof Tahir Naeem Malik of the NUML University said one of the reasons for the deadlock could be that the powerful stakeholders have not yet given a go-ahead for the talks.
"A breakthrough was achieved between the PML-N and the PTI when PTI leader Azam Swati went to Adiala Jail to convey a message to Imran Khan and, as a result of it, a rally was postponed. However, the breakdown since then has not been repaired yet," he said.
Professor Malik noted that the statements from different ministers construing the constitution of a committee for talks with Imran Khan as a weakness as well as their attempt to mock the PTI for its past and present statements is also a reason for disruption in talks.
Malik said the government should create a favorable environment for holding talks and the NA speaker's office should play its role, adding the speaker office has not yet been actively pursuing the matter.
Sharing another reason, Malik noted that things have come to standstill as the government feels that PTI failed to exert pressure despite its protest march and now it is in a position of strength.
To come out of the deadlock, he said, implementing the Supreme Court's decision regarding reserved seats could give a positive message and boost the PTI's confidence for talks.
"It would be a win-win situation for the government if they successfully negotiate with the PTI. Only then the government will have smooth sailing for the remaining term and it will be able to focus on real issues," he added.