Tentative turn

The political tides appear to be shifting once again, with reports this week suggesting that Imran Khan has given a nod to a dialogue with the government, following an offer extended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan met the former prime minister in Adiala Jail and conveyed the message, though he remained tight-lipped on the details. Speaking outside Parliament House later, Gohar reiterated the party’s preference for reconciliation over confrontation, while denying any secret deal or understanding with the powers-that-be. If it materialises into a sustained and sincere dialogue, this development could mark a turning point in the PTI’s otherwise erratic post-election political strategy. The party’s ambivalence towards talks – starting, stopping and then sulking – has cost it both credibility and momentum. Political observers have repeatedly cautioned that the PTI risks becoming increasingly irrelevant without consistent engagement and a clear roadmap, especially in a political system that has visibly stabilised in the past year.

The recent India-Pakistan tensions further exposed the PTI’s internal confusion and lack of message discipline. As the nation stood united behind its armed forces in the face of Indian aggression, the PTI found itself grappling with embarrassment as Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, made baffling claims about a supposed Nawaz-Modi ‘fixed match’. These remarks, widely condemned even within PTI ranks, did little to enhance the party’s credibility during a time of national unity. Ironically, Imran Khan’s own X (formerly Twitter) account tried to walk back the damage, condemning Modi’s war-mongering and reiterating the PTI’s solidarity with Pakistan. In times of conflict, political parties are expected to rise above personal grievances and echo the national sentiment. A few voices from the PTI’s digital echo chamber – especially those abroad – chose to promote divisive narratives instead, hurting the party’s standing among its own voter base.

Now that the fog of crisis has cleared, the political landscape is clearer than ever. With economic indicators improving, diplomatic wins including renewed focus on Kashmir and military deterrence reasserted, the space for political chaos has shrunk significantly. For better or worse, the hybrid system is not going anywhere – for now. the PTI’s earlier hopes of toppling this system through agitation, international lobbying, or legal pressure have yielded little more than diminishing returns. Even within the party, reality seems to be sinking in. Last month, this newspaper had reported that the PTI has scaled back its maximalist demands, including calls for fresh general elections and a change of government. Its current priorities – securing relief for jailed leaders and reclaiming political space – reflect a more pragmatic, if reluctant, shift in approach. For a party that once thrived on confrontation and populist defiance, this is a notable recalibration.

But recalibration alone is not enough. The PTI must also learn to speak with one voice and steer clear of reckless narratives that can undermine its own credibility, especially in times of national crisis. If it continues to allow fringe elements and overseas loyalists to shape its messaging, the gains it made during and after the 2024 elections could easily be squandered. The offer for dialogue is on the table. If the PTI wants political breathing space, a chance at fair elections in 2028, and perhaps even a pathway toward eventual relief for Imran Khan, now is the time to act. There may not be another opening like this for a long while. But talks cannot succeed if they are approached with duplicity or half-heartedness. They require consistency, patience and a willingness to compromise – traits the PTI has not always displayed.