Peshawar: Political dialogue between representatives of ruling and opposition parties is the essence of democracy, providing a constitutional and peaceful mechanism to resolve differences, defuse tensions and protect national interests.
In a democratic system, negotiations between the government and opposition parties could succeed only when both sides approach the table with open minds, demonstrate political maturity and a genuine willingness to listen to each other rather than entering talks with rigid positions or predetermined demands such as the release of a convicted politician.
‘Dialogue is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is the strongest democratic instrument for resolving all political disputes under constitution ambit,’ said Professor Dr Zahid Anwar of the political science department at University of Peshawar while talking to reporter.
He stressed that an unconditional and open-minded approach was essential for success of meaningful negotiations, particularly when KP was confronting serious security and economic challenges.
Dr Anwar said the opposition should demonstrate flexibility and place national and public interests above partisan considerations and immediately restart dialogue with the Govt on issue of combating terrorism which is weakening the society’s social fabric.
He said that today’s opposition was tomorrow’s government subject to having mass services, political tolerance and cooperate with Govt in resolution of all national issues.
He said wrangling between political parties allways open doors for undemocratic forces to intervene, resulting closing of political system as we have seen in the past.
Wajid Ali, former Provincial Minister criticised PTI delegation for its ill-approach and non seriousness during dialogue on vital issue to support state institutions in combating terrorism.
He expressed deep concern over what he described as the stubborn posture of the PTI delegation during marathon talks with the government team, arguing that such a negative approach could undermine the very purpose of political dialogue and confidence building.
According to him, negotiations should not become an arena for political point-scoring or pressure tactics on the name of long march, particularly at a time when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is facing persistent threats of terrorism.
Had PTI Govt utalized the anti terrorism funds received from Federal Government on strengthening of police and CTD, Kohat like terrorist incident could have been averted.
He said PTI founder was a convicted prisoner and only courts have the authority to decide his cases.
Wajid Ali maintained that political parties in KP carried an additional responsibility to demonstrate an unequivocal commitment to the fight against terrorism and create an awareness among masses about confronting the monster evil.
At a time when police, security forces and civilians continued to face serious threats of terrorism in KP, political differences should not be allowed to overshadow the collective need for peace and stability in the province.
He said that any political mobilisation or long march capable of diverting attention from counterterrorism efforts could have serious implications for an already fragile security environment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
They urged all political stakeholders especially PTI to avoid rhetoric or actions that could deepen confrontation and choas in society.
They particularly called upon Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi to immediately withdraw his long march call, saying that postponing or withdrawing the proposed mass mobilisation would create space for the continuation of government-opposition dialogue and demonstrate political responsibility.
‘KP needs peace, stability and effective governance rather than another confrontation on the streets,’ said Dr. Ebadullah Khan, opposition leader in KP Assembly.
He added that the provincial government should focus its political and administrative energies on improving law and order, supporting security institutions against terrorism and addressing the concerns of the people.
He argued that the future success of government-PTI talks would ultimately depend on the willingness of the latter to move beyond rigid positions and focus on service delivery, eradication of illiteracy, unemployment and improving the law and order situation.
The experts said neither side could claim victory merely by refusing to compromise, as the real victory would be achieved if dialogue succeeded in reducing political tensions, calling off long march and creating a workable framework for resolving outstanding issues, including terrorism.
They emphasised that withdrawal of the long march call or combating terrorism should not be viewed as a retreat by either side, but as a positive confidence-building measure aimed at creating an atmosphere conducive to negotiations.
At the same time, they urged the central PTI leadership to demonstrate equal political maturity by keeping the channels of communication open and addressing legitimate Federal Government’s concerns through constitutional and democratic means by returning to dialogue.
‘Democracy is strengthened when political opponents sit together despite differences, listen to one another and search for common ground. It is weakened when dialogue is replaced by confrontation, and agitation,’ the analysts concluded.
With KP already carrying the heavy burden of terrorism, economic pressures and public frustration, they said, political leadership must rise above partisan interests and demonstrate that the democratic process remains capable of resolving even the most difficult disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation and negative rhetoric.