Talks should continue

Government-PTI Talks stumble: Need for sustained confidence-building measures.

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Reports that the government-PTI talks have hit snags are worrisome. Both the sides apart from desisting from quick-fix expectations should rally for a sustained format of confidence building measures. That is not only essential to bring down the political temperature but also to iron out pestering issues in the legal gambit in a lawful manner. Both sides must recognise the common denominator that talks are an opportunity in disaster to restore stability, and to let the organs of the state work in harmony. That can only be made possible if the opposition and the government exhibit calm, and stick to their resolve of finding a way out of the impasse.

The new-found mistrust is owing to the fact that the PTI was not allowed an audience with incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, and at the same time had asked for inclusion of a nominee from the powers-that-be in talks. The government, likewise, feels that the opposition is buying time and is not listing out its demands in black and white. A flashback into the euphoria that was generated with both sides hitting the table reveals that there were high hopes of a thaw, and the economy was supposed to be a great beneficiary. The momentum graduated on Monday as the verdict in the Al-Qadir Trust case, involving the former PM and his wife, was deferred for a second time, hinting at a plausible understanding. But it seems hawks in both the parties are more perplexed and have their respective agendas to nurse.

It's high time for both the parties to reflect over the precarious situation evolving at home and abroad, and not to squander the opportunity of talking it out in an amicable manner. The minimum agenda posted by the PTI can make a good start, including release of all political prisoners and setting up of independent inquiry commissions to probe the May 9 and November 26 upheavals. With the coalition partners too believing in political space, it is advisable for them to rise above petty interests and restore political proactivity in the country. That is the only way to obstruct extra-legal interventions.