Bilawal’s offer

With opposition parties gearing up for another nationwide protest drive after Eidul Fitr, the federal government’s decision to accept PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s mediation offer could lead to a much-needed political dialogue. Tasked with initiating talks with the PTI, Bilawal has positioned himself as a bridge between the rival political factions, offering a rare opportunity to ease political tensions and foster cooperation. However, whether the PTI will engage in the process is not yet certain. The party has a history of avoiding negotiations and preferring street agitation over dialogue. It has even forsaken important security conversations for its chosen path of belligerence. In this context, though, its recent decision to boycott the in-camera session of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, held amid escalating terrorist threats in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been widely criticised. While the PTI cited the government’s refusal to allow a meeting with its incarcerated chairman as justification for its absence, the general sentiment among political observers was that the party should have attended the meeting to voice its concerns rather than ceding the narrative to its opponents.

Now, with Bilawal stepping in to mediate, the PTI faces a critical choice. Engaging with the PPP and the government could allow it to re-enter mainstream political dialogue and push its demands within a formal setting. So far, its strategy of street protests has yielded little tangible benefit, and Imran Khan remains in jail with no immediate prospect of release. If the government reconvenes the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, the PTI should consider attending and using the platform to highlight its grievances rather than continuing its boycott. This would provide an opportunity to challenge the government’s stance in an institutional setting instead of relying solely on public demonstrations. Yet, this too is not without its share of challenges. The PTI has alienated key opposition figures, including JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, whose support could be crucial in building a broader opposition alliance. The party has also often set rigid preconditions for negotiations, including the release of its leaders, which could stall the process before it even begins. If the PTI hopes to navigate this crisis effectively, it must rethink its approach. Rather than isolating itself further, it should take this opportunity to engage in dialogue and find a path forward. Political parties that aspire to govern cannot afford to remain in perpetual opposition without participating in democratic processes.

On the other hand, the government, too, must show flexibility. Its reluctance to allow PTI leaders to meet with Imran Khan before the previous NSC session fueled distrust and gave the PTI an excuse to disengage. If the government is serious about fostering dialogue, it must ensure that negotiations are not merely cosmetic but offer tangible outcomes. That includes addressing the PTI’s concerns, even if not conceding to all of its demands. The government should also use this opportunity to emphasise national unity over partisan politics, especially in matters of security and governance. The success of Bilawal’s mediation pretty much depends on the PTI’s willingness to negotiate in good faith and the government’s ability to provide a conducive environment for talks. If the PTI remains rigid and refuses to engage, it risks further marginalisation. The party needs to revisit its strategy.