THE National Assembly opposition leader’s recent warning should give the ruling parties some pause. Once again, the PTI seems to be contemplating quitting the assemblies in protest against the continuing incarceration and alleged poor treatment of their jailed leader, former prime minister Imran Khan. For one, it would signal from within that Pakistan’s political system is seen as defunct and that stakeholders seem to have little faith left that the political process can deliver any results. Granted that this is what a large section of the public already seems to be thinking; however, so far all political parties that were returned to the assemblies in the last general election have chosen to stay, including those that had expressed serious misgivings about the electoral exercise. No matter how dismissively the ruling parties might treat the opposition, the former must acknowledge that the latter’s presence in the assemblies has helped stabilise the post-February 2024 order somewhat. If the opposition were to pack up and leave tomorrow, it is unlikely to affect the current set-up’s legislative agenda — but the last fig leaf of legitimacy will be stripped away.

The government must also take the measure of the messenger. Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who heads the opposition alliance TTAP, was handpicked by the PTI’s founder as much for his considerable history in oppositional politics as for his experience and maturity. His nomination was supported by leaders from across the aisle in the National Assembly, and his election was seen as a step towards restoring principled politics in the House. If he, too, is now sounding a warning that extreme measures are being considered, it means politics are failing at a very fundamental level. What the opposition is asking for does not seem to be something the government cannot concede: Mr Khan is a former prime minister and should be given access to medical professionals of his choice. It is unconscionable for any prisoner to be denied medical attention they need or request, especially if the request seems to be within reason and is intended mainly to preserve their general health. Politicians must be a little more large-hearted than they have been in recent years. It is part of their jobs to make concessions and compromises.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2026