The PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan refused to mandate any of his party-level committee to hold talks with opponents. He reiterated not to negotiate with the ruling coalition stating that talks could only be started with the military establishment and that after it satisfies his concerns.
Importantly, the Supreme Court of Pakistan advised Khan to join the parliament and negotiate with his political rivals to have his concerns addressed. The apex court gave this advice while hearing appeals on the NAB Ordinance amendment case about two weeks ago. Khan was present in the court through a video link.
The PTI’s chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan speaking to the media announced that the Party’s founder acting upon the advice of the top court has given a go-ahead and the PTI through a committee is going for that. Mehmood Khan Achakzai was requested to proceed in this regard. Not to the surprise, Khan maintained his tradition of taking U-Turns even after the top court advised him to go for these political talks.
Imran responding to the questions of reporters said that he never had given a nod for any such committee. He reportedly said that Mr. Achakzai was just asked to know about what the ruling coalition was offering to him. He said there can be no talks with his opponents but with the military establishment. Responding to another question he said that first the military leadership will have to satisfy him before any talks.
Though, changing views on important matters has been a common habit of Khan without knowing what consternation he causes even among his supporters, in this particular case it looks just hilarious. Does it not speak that Khan simply has brushed aside the advice of the apex court? is it not something like this that Khan is not a mature political leader and that his party’s leaders will have to bear its burden?
The top court’s advice carries a lot of weight and has some reason behind which may not be to Mr. Khan’s understanding and of course, can help address the political instability, this advice is not something to be dealt with in a casual mood, but should have taken seriously. Though his party leaders would try their best to give reasons and defend Khan, it would not be that easy. Why this was taken for granted and what impact it can have on the political record of Khan and his party is perhaps going without thought.
Why the PTI’s founder is so resolute in holding talks with the military establishment is not known when there is not the slightest gesture from the other side. The top court advised him to talk with politicians, the military establishment suggested he hold talks with politicians, and politicians are also asking for this, but he is sticking to his stance. Such an attitude can be more damaging for Khan and his party but it doesn’t look to be realized yet. Where is he taking his party is not yet known to him, but people saw that Khan was removed through a vote of no confidence thus making him the historic prime minister, he is in jail facing multiple cases and yet no chance for his release, multiple of his party’s leaders defected, those who brought him in power are not ready even to talk to him, but the slogan is there is no leader like Khan.
What can be said more about this kind of attitude style of politics? Mr. Khan should revisit his style and honor the decisions of his party leaders. It can help him save his political worth and can keep his party alive. (By Rana Kashif)
