Talks, really?

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With political instability going over the brink with each passing day, the mantra of talks are losing their essence. It seems neither the government nor the PTI are willing for a meaningful dialogue. Yet, the onus to take a leap forward rests with the ruling coalition. Sadly though, its track record is one of hoodwinking an opposition already pushed to the wall. This has led to a critical standoff, impacting not only the social mosaic of the country, which is divisive to the core, but also an economy that is fighting to get out of the woods.

The "invitation" from Speaker Ayaz Sadiq that his "office and residence are open 24 hours" needs to be supplemented by walking the talk. With the incarcerated former PM Imran Khan laying on table his 'minimum agenda' for entering into a tête-à-tête, it's time for the coalition dispensation to grab the moment and start talking. Of course, a set of confidence building measures is desired and the prime among them to set the ball rolling could be the release of political prisoners, and mandating the judiciary to look into the grievances of the PTI in toto.

The ruling coalition members, which seem to be at loggerheads with one another, must exhibit some coherence in decision-making. The euphoria in the wake of a marginal economic recovery owing to pumping of funds from the IMF and a dip in inflation could be a mirage, as donors and foreign governments are wary of the pestering political instability in the country.

The way forward is opening a vista of political alignment with the PTI, and giving up on the psyche that a political party, commanding a sizeable vote bank, can be exterminated. Probing the vandalism episodes of May 9 and November 26, as conditioned by the PTI, could be a win-win situation as it would lead to reposing of trust in state machinery. The quagmire in which Pakistan is sliding can only be overcome with pluralism at work, and letting the Constitution and rule of law have its way.