Need to avoid politics of agitation
After the rallies in Sahiwal, Jhelum and Larkana already held this month, PTI’s next destination is Gujranwala. The series will end with the much trumpeted rally in Islamabad on November 30. The party’s original schedule envisaged rallies in Faisalabad, Mandi Bahauddin and Kasur also. These have however been postponed to allow the PTI to concentrate on its most publicised event of the month. It poses a challenge as unlike the August 14 march, it would be a solely PTI affair.
The focus in Imran’s recent speeches has been on the failures of the PML-N and PPP in resolving some of the acutely felt problems of the people. He is now avoiding the earlier style of addressing national leaders with disrespect.
Keeping in view the relatively small population of Larkana and the fact that it has continued to remain a PPP bastion over decades, Imran Khan managed to pull a sizable crowd, which indicates his appeal to the youth and women. The emphasis in his Sukkur address was on the failure of government to deliver on its promises. This indicates that the PTI is more interested in the next elections, including those for the local government rather than agitational politics. The PAT too is currently engaged in bye polls in Bhakkar. This trend needs to be encouraged by the government.
What can cause a relapse to the politics of agitation is any major provocation or act of highhandedness by the government or PML-N workers. The reports of PTI hoardings having been damaged in Gujranwala should be probed and action taken against those involved. Another incentive for agitational politics could be the failure by the government to resolve outstanding disputes with the two opposition parties. Foremost in the case of the PTI is the appointment of the judicial commission on rigging. Attempts should be made to woo back the PTI to the NA. There is also a need to appoint a JIT acceptable to PAT. Any display of arrogance by the PML-N leadership could again set the parties on the path of confrontation.