Which way forward?

In another blow to the former ruling party, the ECP on Tuesday de-notified nine PTI lawmakers, including the opposition leaders in the Senate and National Assembly (Senator Shibli Faraz and Omar Ayub Khan), following their convictions in the May 9 cases. Those disqualified include five members of the National Assembly, one senator and three members of the Punjab Assembly. The denotifications were expected following the convictions, but have raised questions about the haste with which the ECP has acted in this case, especially when compared to its slow pace in cases where the PTI is the beneficiary. Legal experts argue that even if one overlooks the ECP’s speed, the nature and handling of the convictions themselves raise deeper concerns. There are multiple instances where the same witnesses’ testimony led to the conviction of some PTI members but was dismissed in the cases of others. This inconsistency can raise questions regarding objectivity.

Meanwhile, the PTI has begun challenging these rulings in court. Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz have filed petitions in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) contesting the legality of the ECP’s decision while Zartaj Gul has already been granted protective bail by the PHC as she intends to appeal her conviction before the Lahore High Court. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has accused the ECP of acting beyond its mandate and vowed that the PTI would challenge its actions at all legal forums. Political and legal observers have offered a nuanced take on the entire situation, saying that while there is no denying that the violence on May 9, 2023, did take place and that many PTI members were involved, the pattern of legal proceedings and political consequences appears to show that the incident is being used as a political tool rather than a means to uphold justice.

However, the political fallout for the PTI seems likely to continue. Experts suggest that the appeals filed by convicted members could take months, if not years, to reach final resolution in higher courts. And with further signs of pressure mounting, including National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s warning to PTI MNA Sheikh Waqas Akram for prolonged absence, it appears that space for the party is increasingly shrinking. But perhaps the biggest contributor to the PTI’s current state is its own internal chaos. The party remains without a coherent strategy, plagued by infighting and public disputes. Even its once-feared social media arm is under criticism from within, with insiders questioning its effectiveness and strategic direction. The August 5 protest, according to many political analysts, failed to generate significant momentum, reflecting a broader disconnection between the PTI’s leadership and its support base. While the part has insisted the protest drew crowds, on-ground reports and visuals suggest otherwise. It is increasingly clear that their strategy of relying on street power and digital agitation has not yielded results. The party needs to listen to the more cautious and conciliatory within it. Initiating dialogue with the government and reassessing its confrontational posture would be a good start. The party’s current course only offers diminishing returns.