THE interior minister’s comments at an Islamabad seminar last week have sparked many a conversation about the state of the ‘system’. Political leaders, as well as commentators, are all weighing in on the significance of his remarks, as he is seen to be close to those that matter in Pakistan.
At the event, Mohsin Naqvi had spoken, among other things, of the need for political parties to start a dialogue, and for national leaders to put aside their differences and discuss governance issues. Picking up on this thread, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, while addressing an event in Quetta on Tuesday, stressed the need for holding a multiparty moot to discuss national problems, though he was critical of Mr Naqvi’s call for new provinces. Speaking before the interior minister’s comments, the PTI had last month similarly called for a ‘grand national dialogue’ involving political parties, the establishment and civil society.
As the maulana said, “force alone cannot resolve the country’s political and security issues”. The only way out of the quagmire is sustained political engagement, and a pledge by all stakeholders to stand by the constitutional arrangement. There have been some attempts in the past, after the 2022 upheaval, to kick off a grand political dialogue, but none of these have succeeded.
Yet, since there is once again a feeling amongst the political tribes that dialogue is essential, and even those close to the powers that be have spoken of the need for engagement, a fresh attempt at reconciliation should be attempted. No doubt, this not an easy exercise to undertake as the trust deficit between the opposition and the ruling set-up is immense. But surely a moderate approach from both sides can break the ice.
There is precedent from the past that can be emulated. Two decades ago, the PPP and PML-N signed the Charter of Democracy to bury the hatchet, and promised to strengthen the democratic system. A similar approach can be tried now to break the current deadlock. But for any such attempt to succeed, there must be complete political freedom, and respect for fundamental rights.
The issues confronting Pakistan are monumental. They include violent terrorist insurgencies in two provinces, as well as socioeconomic disaffection across the country, while there is geopolitical volatility on nearly every border. These issues demand a national response. They cannot be addressed if the polity remains fractured.
Differences between parties and groups are natural. But by addressing these in a democratic fashion, a way forward can be found. Both the government and opposition should support calls for national reconciliation and dialogue, and political veterans must take the initiative to get the ball rolling.
Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2026
