WHAT happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? It is a question political observers in Pakistan have grappled with over the past two-odd years.

On the one hand, there’s the PTI; seemingly unstoppable, despite all efforts to impede its march. On the other, there is the establishment; unmoved despite the many challenges it has encountered. The stalemate created by these two actors’ inability to reach a settlement has upended the country and destablised the economy.

It cannot hold forever, which is why recent remarks by PTI founder Imran Khan have aroused feverish speculation. Will they, won’t they? The concern is palpable, even though both sides still seem unwilling to compromise. The needle is stuck on May 9, with one side demanding an unconditional apology, and the other unwilling to give one without ifs and buts. Who will make the first move? Much is on the line.

Mr Khan has recently suggested that he is ready to offer an apology if the state can prove its position on May 9. This ‘softening’ of his stance is being seen as a major development. He insists, however, that the allegations against his party be investigated by an independent commission first. Perhaps the accusation that the events of that day were a ‘premeditated conspiracy’ do indeed need to be probed, but Mr Khan surely agrees that it was his party that was out in the streets on May 9; participating in, if not precipitating, the violence that occurred that day?

If he believes that what happened was wrong, he should at least apologise for the protests turning violent and the damage to public properties that was caused. All else may be left to a commission to resolve.

At the same time, the security establishment, too, must relent, mainly because its insistence on treating the protests as ‘terrorism’ and a ‘conspiracy against the state’ is unlikely to yield positive outcomes or help the nation move forward. Protests can turn violent, especially if those participating feel they have a right to be angry. The way Mr Khan was manhandled by dozens of Rangers personnel on that same day and the circumstances of his arrest from the Islamabad High Court cannot be ignored. They provide necessary context for understanding why the protests broke out.

What happened next was unqualifiedly wrong, but the state, too, should reflect on its mistakes. It must turn over all evidence to prosecutors and let those accused of May 9-related crimes be tried in ordinary courts. It would be within its rights to demand punishments in proportion to their crimes.

The attention of Pakistan’s leadership needs to be focused on policies, not events. The future of millions is at stake. For their sake, the nation must move on now.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2024