ISLAMABAD: A recent meeting of the PML-N’s senior leadership concluded with party president Nawaz Sharif proposing a broad-based dialogue involving all political parties, governments, and institutions to address the country’s pressing issues. However, party officials quickly clarified that no discussions would take place with PTI founder Imran Khan until he apologizes for the riots of May 9. This move has raised questions about the sincerity of the offer, with some analysts suggesting it may be more about excluding Imran Khan and his party from the dialogue rather than achieving genuine political and economic stability.
Political commentators have expressed skepticism about whether such conditional offers could facilitate comprehensive negotiations. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), noted that the conflicting statements from PML-N leaders reflect a genuine internal disagreement. “There can always be multiple opinions within a party on any issue,” Mehboob said. “However, Nawaz Sharif’s proposal did not initially include any conditions, which the party leadership later appended.” He emphasized that dialogue remains essential for resolving deadlocks and suggested that the PTI should engage positively with the offer to potentially ease tensions.
The PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government’s response to the conditional offer remains uncertain. Mehboob reiterated that only through direct negotiations could the impasse be resolved. He also highlighted that the army expects the civilian government to effectively present its case, noting the dissatisfaction within the military regarding the PTI’s criticism of the security establishment following the May 9 incidents. On that day, PTI supporters allegedly attacked military installations after Imran Khan’s arrest, which the military has since labeled as a “Black Day.”
Professor Tahir Naeem Malik of NUML University observed that Nawaz Sharif’s recent statements suggest a desire to maintain political relevance and address the ongoing deadlock. “Nawaz aims to be seen as a national leader, despite not holding an official position,” Malik said. He noted that some PML-N leaders oppose talks with the PTI, believing that the coalition government should continue without disruption and that the PTI should be kept at a disadvantage.
Malik also pointed out that Nawaz Sharif’s offer might be a strategic move to position himself for future negotiations. He suggested that genuine resolution of the political crisis would require concerted efforts from key figures, including Nawaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and others. “The authenticity of Nawaz’s dialogue offer will depend on how it is followed up,” Malik concluded.
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