IN acting on political decisions, time is of the essence. This truth may have eluded PTI chairman Imran Khan as, on the pretext of consultations with his party and allies, he has yet to act on his resolve to have the Punjab and KP assemblies dissolved. He had announced his decision at the end of the ‘long march’ in Rawalpindi last month, thinking it would compel the PML-N-led coalition to hold snap polls at a time when his popularity appeared to be increasing. However, it now seems that he faces growing opposition from within his own party and is unable to convince his ally Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi of the PML-Q, who is reluctant to give up power. PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry might have sounded a warning that the CM would have to agree to the Punjab Assembly’s dissolution if he wanted to contest the next elections as a PTI ally. However, he may not have considered that the two branches of the wily Chaudhrys of Gujrat know better than the PTI when to turn where in Pakistani politics. Despite repeated reassurances from both the CM and his son Moonis Elahi, chances are that the PML-Q may not comply when and if Mr Khan actually gives the call. Where that will leave the PTI is anybody’s guess.

Well-versed in the treacherous politics of Punjab, the PML-N has been quick to pick up the signals. The transition of power in the army and Mr Khan’s abrupt decision to call off his long march on the eve of the appointment of the new army chief has made the PML-N more confident when it comes to dealing with the PTI. It is no wonder then that Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has challenged Mr Khan to go ahead with the dissolution of the two provincial assemblies. Nevertheless, this is not a dead end for Mr Khan. Anything is possible in politics and a politician will always find a way out of a critical situation. One way out for Mr Khan would be to initiate formal, direct talks with the ruling PDM, instead of involving the presidency, and find a middle path acceptable to both the government and opposition, rather than insisting on snap polls and putting the collapsing economy under more stress. Dissolution of the provincial assemblies, even if his allies and entire party agree to it, will not give him the outcome he wants, ie, a return to power.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2022