No need to incite violence or discord now
Imran Khan is understandably frustrated over his failure to achieve the prime objective of Nawaz Sharif’s resignation. There is however difference of opinion within the PTI leadership over the future course of action. There are those who want a respectable way out of the situation, return to the National Assembly and keep the pressure on government to emerge as the most vocal parliamentary opposition party. PTI being the third largest party in the NA, and aware of Khan’s public appeal, they are hopeful of putting up better performance in the next elections. There are others in Khan’s company who have an anarchist streak and would like him to take the confrontation to a higher level irrespective of consequences for the system. Imran Khan has yet to decide which course is to be taken.
The government has to tread cautiously at this juncture. Sharif would do well not to follow the advice of the equally aggressive lot in his party who believe that the crisis is over and victory has been achieved and that time has come to take revenge. They fail to realise that any action perceived as vendetta is likely to boomerang. The inflammatory language used by Sheikh Rashid was aimed at gaining cheap popularity. The Prime Minister needs to take the opposition leaders into confidence over the calls for a violent overthrow of the government. Whatever action is required should be taken after consultation.
Meanwhile Nawaz Sharif should take the initiative to hold direct talks with Imran Khan. Agreements reached between the two sides before the suspension of talks by the PTI should form the basis for ending the three-month long confrontation. This would strengthen the saner elements in the PTI and isolate those who are pursuing their personal agenda by using the PTI’s platform.
The violence that led to the suspension of a number of PTI office bearers by Imran Khan should lead him to review why tendencies of the sort are getting strengthened among the party cadre.