Ball in govt's court after TTAP nod

Govt yet to formally engage opposition bloc as PTI remains divided

ISLAMABAD:

With Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Aeen Pakistan (TTAP) having accepted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's offer for political dialogue, the ball is now in the federal government's court to decide when and how to formally open talks with the opposition alliance.

However, the road to dialogue remains far from smooth, as deep-seated divisions within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continue to cloud consensus on the party's future political course.

One faction within PTI is opposed to dialogue with the government, favouring a renewed strategy of agitation instead - a course that has yielded little since the February 8, 2024, elections.

The group believes public sentiment remains ripe for protest over the continued detention of Imran Khan, but concedes that weak and fragmented party leadership has left supporters directionless. They argue that any forthcoming protest could prove decisive, citing the increased activism of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who has stepped up efforts to mobilise party workers nationwide, particularly in K-P.

The chief minister is also scheduled to visit Lahore today (Friday).

Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, is likewise reported to be opposed to engaging in talks with the present government.

However, there appears to be broad agreement within the party that Imran Khan has delegated authority over the future course of action to TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who accepted the prime minister's offer for dialogue after what sources describe as thorough deliberations.

Another section of the party supports political engagement, arguing that the executive has effectively consolidated its hold over the judiciary, leaving little immediate prospect of relief from the superior courts.

They also point to the absence of meaningful international pressure on the government to accommodate PTI, despite it being the country's largest political party.

These voices further note that authorities have succeeded in instilling fear among PTI supporters in Punjab through a sustained crackdown, limiting the party's capacity to mobilise on the streets. With the government retaining multiple levers to further squeeze PTI, they argue that engaging at the negotiating table may be the only viable option to secure political breathing space.

Sources also say PTI's social media apparatus continues to play an important role in shaping the party's political strategy.

Meanwhile, speculation persists over the timing of the government's outreach. One political analyst suggests the ruling coalition may be seeking a broader consensus ahead of any decision on deploying troops to Gaza. Others point to the government's lack of tangible success on the economic front as a possible factor behind its renewed overtures for dialogue.

Meanwhile, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has said that the government should release senior PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mahmood Rasheed, Yasmin Rashid and Omar Cheema, so they can initiate dialogue on behalf of the party.

It is widely acknowledged that no meaningful dialogue with the opposition can succeed without taking Imran Khan on board.

It is learnt that the government is likely to formally respond to TTAP after the completion of the UAE president's visit.

PM Shehbaz Sharif is understood to have extended the offer of political dialogue after consultations with powerful circles.