While speaking during an inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif offered to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan to “discuss” issues. This conciliatory message from the PM comes at a time when the PTI and Mr Tahir-ul-Qadri’s PAT gear up to launch protest rallies against the government, starting from 11th May. Mr Khan, whose approach has grown considerably more aggressive over the last few months, rejected the PM’s offer. Furthermore, he advised him to concentrate on governance issues instead of inappropriately inviting people for a cup of tea. It is interesting to see Mr Khan give the sort of advice which he would do well to follow as well. Regardless, it can be said with certainty that the PTI has set its mind on using street power to ensure that the Nawaz government accept its demands. Apart from that, some suggest that the 11th May demonstrations also aim to distract the public from PTI’s performance in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). Having spent almost all of its time in opposition, it is feared that the PTI is not yet ready to take on governance issues, and is therefore still reliant on opposition and confrontational politics in order keep its young followers energised and engaged while ensuring its limitations escape the spotlight.
The alliance between the PTI and PAT has added a new dimension to the protest ‘movement’ they seem eager to launch together. Unlike Mr Khan, Mr Tahir-ul-Qadri is not a person from within the system. Mr Imran Khan has a stake in the continuation of the democratic system even if he seems unwilling to understand. On the other hand, Mr Qadri doesn’t stand to lose anything. While one claims to be fighting for reform, the other wishes to replace the entire system. These contrasting stances are impossible to reconcile, unless one of the two is willing to compromise. It would be extremely unfortunate to witness an emerging political party lose its direction owing to reactionary and short-sighted decision-making.
While one points out the flaws in PTI’s approach, it is equally important to remember what the party is protesting against. If there is one issue which is cited most often by party leaders and its supporters, it’s rigging in the May 2013 general elections. Had the relevant institutions - the courts, NADRA, election tribunals and the Election Commission – done their job, it would have never come to this. One cannot disagree with Mr Khan when he talks about voter verification and ensuring transparent and fair elections for times to come, and that is not something to be taken lightly.