AMIDST the ongoing tussle between the federal government and the main opposition party, several critical issues affecting millions of ordinary citizens have either been ignored, or made worse by short-sighted policy decisions. In that context, it is commendable that some effort is being made to arrive at common ground on some of the most pressing matters. The PPP’s central committee has reportedly decided to initiate an outreach campaign to engage other political stakeholders, including its rival PTI, to achieve a consensus on the most critical issues — specifically, national security, the digital economy, and agriculture. The tense political atmosphere could benefit greatly from such an initiative. The PPP has entrusted the task to its Rabta committee, which it had initially formed to work with the government on the latter’s ‘unmet promises’. Though it appears that the party’s dissatisfaction with the federal government may be a motivating factor, it is hoped that the move will nonetheless be welcomed by other political parties, and that they will have serious discussions about how they can keep their differences aside while working together on issues that need to be addressed post haste in the greater public interest.

Maturity has, unfortunately, seemed missing from both sides in the current political strife, and it is high time that someone took the big first step to reduce tensions. If it is serious, the PPP must, as a key partner in the current ruling set-up, put pressure on the government to initiate a dialogue. The party holds considerable leverage both in parliament and through the various constitutional offices it secured for itself in exchange for backing the government. However, if the government seems uninterested in holding talks, then the PPP should call a multiparty conference and take the process forward without it. There is an urgent need to contain the fallout of the protests that took place a week earlier, and it is incumbent upon all stakeholders to contribute towards this goal. The PTI must clearly disavow the harmful and sensationalist narratives being pushed by some of its most vocal supporters, which have proven as damaging for itself as they have for national unity. At the same time, the government must stop vitiating the political atmosphere with its constant use of lawfare and force. Much damage has already been caused: it is time for both to step back.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2024