THE commencement of a dialogue between the PTI and the coalition parties occupying the treasury benches in parliament is a good sign, even though some opposition stalwarts chose to stay away from the ‘preliminary’ meeting on Monday. The talks will test the patience of both sides because it will be some time — probably a few months — before they are able to narrow down their differences. It is heartening to see that the PTI and the ruling coalition partners — as the prime minister’s aide Rana Sanaullah Khan pointed out following the first round of discussions — are participating in the talks “with an open heart”. “There is no such condition as to what could or could not be said during the talks. They can say whatever they want to, and our point of view will be presented, and only after that, we would reach the middle ground,” he observed.

One tends to agree with his observation. However, neither side should ignore the fact that the hawkish elements in their respective parties, who apparently have receded into the background for now, can make a forceful comeback if no progress is seen to have been made once the formal talks take off next month. To make headway, both sides must dial down the aggression in their statements and tone. The success of the negotiations is dependent on the ability of the opposition and the coalition partners, particularly the PML-N — which is directly competing with the PTI for political space in Punjab — and the PTI — which appears desperate to see its leader Imran Khan released from jail — to take a step back from their entrenched positions and stop issuing acrimonious statements that can vitiate the atmosphere. Can they do it? The first couple of meetings should be enough to show the direction in which the talks are headed. That both sides have decided to talk and attempt to reach a negotiated settlement is a promising beginning.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2024