THE PTI’s last-minute change of heart unsettled many. After drumming up much hype and anticipation among party workers over its planned public gathering in Islamabad on Aug 22, its leaders called off the event at the eleventh hour, citing instructions given by the party’s incarcerated chief. Though some party leaders, including former prime minister Imran Khan’s sister, did not believe he was consulted, others insisted that the decision had been taken during an early morning huddle at Adiala Jail because of other protests anticipated in the federal capital and the cancellation of an NOC previously issued by the authorities to the PTI for its meeting. The distrust prevailing within the party leadership was reflected by ordinary workers as well, many of whom were left angry and frustrated after being denied their long-anticipated power show, which their leaders had promised with or without an NOC. Leaders of the PTI-led opposition alliance also seemed to have been left in the dark, with both PkMAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and MWM chief Raja Nasir Abbas reportedly upset about the last-minute cancellation. These developments painted a sorry picture of a major political force in abject disarray.

It is unclear what prompted the PTI to pull out at the very last moment. Some leaders said it was the authorities’ decision to revoke the NOC, as the PTI does not desire any further confrontation with the state. If so, this reflects poorly on the federal government, which, in stark contrast, appeared rather spineless on both occasions when charged protesters stormed into the Red Zone in recent days. If the power of the state is only to be used to deny one political party its right to hold public gatherings and protests, then such use of power cannot be considered legitimate. The authorities should reflect on their double standards before their actions precipitate another clash between the people and the state, as witnessed earlier. Lastly, there is also speculation that the cancellation of PTI’s public meeting was the result of a late-night arrangement between the party and the establishment. If so — if these two can still find common ground — they must once again consider solving their larger issues through simple dialogue. If a political jalsa can be negotiated over, then why not Pakistan’s future as well? They owe it to the people.

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2024