Informal contacts between the government and the parliamentary leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have failed to produce any breakthrough, with sources citing deep internal discord and a lack of decision-making authority within the opposition party as the main obstacles.
According to sources, informal contact did take place between the government and PTI’s parliamentary leadership. During these interactions, PTI leaders acknowledged the serious obstacles hindering talks in the current political environment.
PTI’s parliamentary leadership also admitted its limited role in decision-making, conceding that it lacks the authority to commit the party to any concrete agreement.
PTI demands confidence-building steps
Sources said the PTI stressed the need for concrete confidence-building measures by the government before any formal dialogue could move forward. However, the government made it clear that it would not accept any preconditions for initiating talks.
Government sources further said the PTI wasted an opportunity by failing to respond positively to an offer made earlier by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Lack of decision-making authority
Government sources described the absence of a clear decision-making structure within the PTI as the biggest hurdle. They said none of the current PTI leaders have the authority to make binding decisions on behalf of the party.
Some PTI leaders are reportedly reluctant to engage in talks due to fear of criticism, particularly from supporters of the party founder and on social media. Others are divided on the mode of dialogue, with some favouring direct talks and others preferring engagement through the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz Ain-e-Pakistan, sources said.
According to government sources, there is no expectation of any fruitful dialogue with the PTI at present due to what they described as the party’s internal chaos. They added that there is currently no practical or concrete proposal on the table, and the possibility of progress has effectively faded.
Political dead end?
Government sources said te PTI has pushed itself into a political dead end through what they termed negative and confrontational politics. They claimed the party has tried all avenues of confrontation with the state and now has no viable options left.
They also said the party founder no longer has a political backup plan or alternative strategy.
Emphasizing the nature of negotiations, government sources said talks are always based on the principle of “give and take.” However, they claimed PTI currently has nothing to offer, adding that the government no longer feels any political pressure or fear from the party.
