Its own contradictions
PTI seems to have made a habit of setting itself back since the last general election. It could have gulped the disappointment, gone back to the drawing board, and done more of what it had prior to the election – the kind of posturing that won it such a decisive following. But it chose to rest the core of its future policy on disputing the past, and dragged along its many followers on a long winding road to nowhere. Since then it has been a victim of its own inner disconnections and contradictions.
First the dharna came to naught. Then the long list of allegations turned out just talk. Then the judicial commission caused some embarrassment. Then Khan sb brought up the matter of talking to the Taliban at the most inopportune time. He had done it before, then very reluctantly embraced the operation. Then it boasted being the only party concerned with internal cleaning when the Justice Wajihuddin tribunal took off. And now that it has pointed fingers, another hero is washing dirty laundry in public. Among other things – which include very serious issues like corruption and internal vote rigging – it has also revived the old debate about electables versus integrity.
Whether or not these setbacks have affected the party’s pull factor will become apparent once it takes to the streets for the local government elections shortly. But already it seems a far cry from the party of justice that came to destroy the status quo, and those who benefitted from it. Perhaps the core committee has not thoroughly probed the reason its street strength does not translate into a proportional vote bank. As local body polls draw near, it must revisit some of its core policy positions, and see if they correspond with its earlier promises. The PTI has built very impressive momentum in recent years. But, of late, it is spending more energy in putting roadblocks in its own path than crafting a forward looking strategy. It seems Khan sb has some important decisions to take in the coming days.