What’s the strategy?

Imran Khan’s declaration that holding talks with the establishment would be a futile exercise signals another shift in the PTI’s approach to navigating Pakistan’s turbulent political landscape. In stark contrast to earlier stances, where the PTI had insisted on engaging with the establishment while shunning political parties, this latest pronouncement suggests that the party is increasingly at odds with itself. Imran Khan’s remarks came in response to a claim by former PTI information secretary Raoof Hasan, who stated that dialogue with the establishment is inevitable. This contradiction within the party’s ranks is emblematic of the wider confusion within the party. At first, the party’s leadership seemed convinced that the establishment was the only real power broker in Pakistan, dismissing political parties as irrelevant. Yet, after the dramatic fallout of May 9 and the arrest of former ISI chief General Faiz Hameed, even that slim hope has evaporated.

The sudden decision by the party to downgrade a planned rally in Rawalpindi to a protest also shows the current lack of clarity within the party – leading to questions about disorganization. In the past, the PTI’s rhetoric had leaned heavily on the notion of exerting pressure on the establishment through public rallies and demonstrations. The rallies in Islamabad and Lahore earlier this month appeared to be part of this strategy. With the shift to a protest, the PTI seems to be sending a mixed signal. One wonders whether the party realizes that seeking confrontation without substantial backing is not a successful strategy. The PTI’s leaders seem to understand this, but their decisions increasingly reflect a reactionary approach rather than one grounded in any coherent long-term strategy. Essentially, the PTI may have a case of missed opportunities – the first of which was to not engage with the PPP and form a government, a move that could have altered the political landscape. Instead of leveraging its electoral win to build momentum, the PTI chose a path of political isolation, relying solely on its narrative and public support. The failure to launch nationwide rallies immediately after the elections, coupled with inconsistent engagement with other political forces, has led many to believe that the party is squandering its chances.

What remains in the PTI’s favour is not of its own making. The ongoing tussle between the judiciary and the executive provides a temporary distraction from the party’s own shortcomings, but this cannot be a reliable pillar for future success. It is worth asking whether the party has any real plan beyond reactive demonstrations and public displays of frustration. If the party wishes to remain relevant, it must address its internal contradictions, formulate a consistent approach, and start engaging with the broader political spectrum. Meanwhile, with the government successfully navigating its IMF programme, the current system seems poised to continue functioning despite the economic challenges. This will make the PTI even more frustrated. But it still has no strategy.