In the absence of talks

The PTI is flexing its muscles and seems set to hit the streets. It has decided to launch a countrywide anti-government movement after Ramazan by incorporating other opposition forces in its wings. The intensity of proposed agitations could be gauged from the fact that the reclusive BYC as well as JUI-F have been invited to join the mainstream opposition. As a warm-up to the main theatre of protests, the rejuvenated PTI Punjab under Aliya Hamza has called for mass political activities, including workers conventions at district level, from today to make the government feel the heat.

This new phase of politicking corresponds with some hectic lobbying in the US. Former president Dr Arif Alvi is in Washington and has met several movers and shakers in the Trump administration with a consolation outcome of 'free Imran Khan' tweets from many Congressmen and Senators. The US Congress has already passed a resolution calling upon Islamabad to cease alleged human rights violations and to work for a political thaw. To what extent it snowballs into a formidable demand from the US to release the incarcerated former PM is anybody's guess, but momentum is picking up as donors and foreign leaders are openly advising step to usher in political stability to pave the way for economic recovery.

The PTI this time seems to be in a decisive mood and has opted for some necessary cleansing in its own rank and file. The leadership's nod to expel legislators who did not show up against the 26th amendment is loud and clear, coinciding with the eviction of firebrand MNA, Sher Afzal Marwat. Likewise, restructuring of the party by popping up pro-radical members such as Junaid Akbar in K-P is also a case in point.

The onus is on the government to come up with an olive branch and pacify the soaring unrest in PTI by, at least, accepting two of its earnest demands: formation of judicial commissions and release of political prisoners. Cracking down again on the opposition would be a folly. That is so because the country cannot stand a new phase of revulsion, as it would be tantamount to assured destruction.