Daily Times

The ongoing political turmoil in Islamabad and elsewhere has once again highlighted the consequences of poor political strategies, poor governance and short-sighted policies. The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) convoy, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Imran Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi, crossing Islamabad’s toll plaza, might be a repeat of our political missteps ongoing for decades. But what does the current crisis truly achieve? Streets are choked with protests. Roads are literally contained. TV screens show the cries of injured law enforcement officials and protesters. By all means, these are not signs of political or democratic progress.

The violence in Islamabad and Rawalpindi cannot be excused. A police official has been killed, five others are critically injured, and dozens have been hurt. Is this the ‘peaceful protest’ PTI leaders promised? Is this the strategy the government had planned? Muzzling protests and inciting chaos are dangerous measures. No political agenda justifies the loss of life. Pakistan has seen enough bloodshed; such methods only deepen existing divides.

The government’s response is equally flawed. Blocking roads and relying on heavy-handed tactics to suppress dissent only fuels the flames of anger. It shows a state struggling to manage crises effectively. A reactive approach cannot address the root causes of the unrest. Dialogue, not force, should be the first step in diffusing tension.

PTI’s decision to storm the capital raises serious questions about its strategy. Public demonstrations can draw attention to grievances, but without constructive engagement, they achieve little. Why has not the party utilised backdoor channels for negotiations? Leaders from both sides must prioritise dialogue over confrontation. The country’s political stability cannot hinge on who shouts louder or stages the bigger protest.

Meanwhile, the ruling coalition’s narrative focuses on condemning PTI’s actions but lacks any genuine attempt at reconciliation. A strong government addresses concerns and seeks resolution, rather than retreating into political blame games.

As the march is just around the capital, both sides must step forward to stem violence and break the impasse. The PTI must reflect on whether chaos aligns with its vision for governance. The government must ask itself whether suppression strengthens democracy. Both sides must show responsibility and engage in meaningful dialogue. *