Wayward opposition

The opposition is in disarray, lacking a cohesive strategy to address its current challenges. While it has failed to muster numbers on the streets to demand better treatment in jail for former prime minister Imran Khan - let alone secure his release - it has been equally unassertive on the floor of parliament. Meanwhile, the second-tier leadership of the PTI that leads the opposition has preferred to remain on the sidelines. Many attribute this to lackluster effort and intentional compromise. This passivity has even bewildered the government, which now largely ignores the opposition's profile. presence, leading to an environment where the law and Constitution are defied with impunity. The non-implementation of the jail manual and the hardened attitude toward political prisoners are cases in point.

The lack of coordination between the PTI. the six-party opposition alliance, TTAP, became starkly evident when they engaged in public mudslinging after failing to stage a joint protest outside the Adiala Jail. Furthermore, the PTI leadership's denial of PKMAP leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai's planned 10,000-strong sit-in outside the prison was surprising. It only confirmed the comfortable complacency into which the party has slid. Moreover, the opposition is conspicuous by its failure to build a strong narrative on issues of national interest, both inside. outside of parliament. Another aspect of the PTI's waywardness is the presence of parallel, competing tiers of decision-making between the Center. the K-P government. While the provincial cadre under Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has repeatedly vowed to hit the streets. it has consistently failed to materialise its plans.

The opposition must get its act together and forge a unified narrative that serves both party and national interests. While its expressed desire to enter into a dialogue with the government is appreciated. the ruling coalition must also take a step forward. By actively engaging the opposition. the government can help ensure that the reigning political instability is finally brought to an end.

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