he often contradictory signals from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, as well as the ambiguous posturing by Pakistan Peoples Party have done little good to democracy. In fact, these have served only to increase the uncertainty and polarisation in the country. In the blurred political landscape, there is only one clear visual – the tug-of-war between the establishment and the Judiciary. The tussle appears to be intensifying because of the failure of the political forces.
The current polarisation and political confusion emerged due to the wrong policies of the establishment, some poor judgments by the Judiciary and the failure of the political parties to work for the sake of the people and democracy.
The PTI’s obduracy with regard to the PML-N and the PPP as well as some judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court is not just a part of the problem; arguably, it is the problem. The party’s incarcerated founder has been cobbling narratives and counter-narratives to keep his opponents and some state institutions under pressure despite being imprisoned and accused in dozens of cases. He refuses to hold talks with the PML-N and the PPP. At the same time, he has nominated Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party’s chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai to hold talks with the ‘’stakeholders.” However, given the persistent confusion, Achakzai has been unable to start negotiations with the ruling coalition.
When the opposition moved a no-confidence resolution against then prime minister Imran Khan in 2022, an audio recording had surfaced on the social media. It suggested that Khan had approached Asif Ali........