IT appears that the PML-N, echoing the PPP’s recent offer, is also willing to re-engage with the opposition, at least on counterterrorism policy. Though that may seem like a narrow scope for dialogue, in our vitiated political environment, it does offer an opening. Whether the opposition is interested in taking it up is a different question. The anger over the dismissal of the elected PTI government in KP is still far from subsiding, and the ruling coalition in Islamabad deserves much of the blame for making a negotiated settlement more difficult than it seemed two weeks ago. That said, the opposition also needs to introspect. From the murmurings of resentment within its ranks, it appears that the outcome of its last round of discussions with the government was not what many were hoping for. Yet, its street agitation has delivered even less. An offer for dialogue, even if focused on counterterrorism strategy, is still an opportunity to return to the negotiating table and continue from where the last round of talks left off. Complete disengagement will achieve nothing.

Regrettably, the two sides still fail to see the country’s economic, security, and governance crises as challenges that must be solved politically. A nation of 260m can hardly afford such paralysis. The greater onus lies with the government. It is difficult to see how a credible counterterrorism strategy can be framed when the province on the front line of the fight has just been deprived of its elected government. If Islamabad wants its offer to be taken seriously, it should pair it with a real gesture of good faith, starting with a meaningful voice for KP’s elected representatives in any talks. Yet the government seems consumed by the hubris of unchecked power, while the opposition, particularly the PTI, continues to act as if agitation alone can yield results. Instead of evading Pakistan’s challenges through constant jousting and whataboutery, the political leadership needs to confront its failings. Counterterrorism, where the stakes for KP are the highest and broad-based consensus is urgently needed, is as good a place as any to begin. But it must lead to a much wider conversation on national issues. If the two sides cannot find common ground even on the fight against terrorism, the public would be justified in wondering what, if anything, they are capable of agreeing on.

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2026