After a night marked by chaos, confusion, and conflict, the capital has returned to an uneasy calm. Cooler heads prevailed at the height of the clashes, as the PTI leadership called off their protest and the government scaled back its crackdown, creating space for de-escalation. Yet, the aftermath reveals widespread anger on both sides. While misinformation and obfuscation obscure the true extent of casualties, the undeniable reality is the loss of lives and injuries—tragic outcomes that could and should have been avoided through responsible leadership.

Neither the ordinary protester nor the average law enforcement officer gains from the high-stakes political games played by those in power. Their safety must be paramount, as they often bear the brunt of decisions made far above their station. This starkly illustrates the consequences of force, underscoring the need to move away from a politics of confrontation that exacts such heavy costs.

As the nation teetered on the brink of chaos, one truth has become inescapable: the path forward lies in dialogue, not discord. A negotiated resolution to the political deadlock between the PTI and the government is imperative. Compromise, conciliation, and a willingness to abandon entrenched hardline positions are the only ways to achieve peace and stability.

The government cannot sustain frequent marches on the capital without severe repercussions for national stability and the economy. Likewise, the PTI cannot afford to bleed its ranks by repeatedly staging confrontational demonstrations that yield no tangible results. It is time for both sides to come to the table and forge a consensus. Without this, the cycle of unrest will continue, dragging the country deeper into turmoil.