The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is once again on the road. Thousands of PTI supporters have begun a long march towards Islamabad, demanding the release of Imran Khan, following the failure of negotiations between the government and the opposition. The talks ended in a deadlock, with access to Khan and disagreements over counterterrorism policy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa among the major points of contention. For PTI, this is another moment of confrontation. But perhaps it is also a moment for introspection.

Every political movement eventually reaches a point where mobilization alone is no longer enough. It must decide whether it wants to remain a movement of resistance or evolve into a political institution capable of negotiating, governing and building a sustainable political future. PTI stands precisely at that crossroads. A protest is successful not merely because people participate in it.

The present long march comes after negotiations failed. PTI says the government was unwilling to accommodate its demands,........

© Pakistan Observer