olitical coexistence is a state of affairs in which various political parties, groups and factions coexist peacefully within a political system or state structure. It requires respect for others, tolerance and recognition of diverse worldviews to muddle through challenges and work for the collective wellbeing while retaining one’s ideological orientation and political affiliation. It is essential for democratic and diverse, plural societies. However, it cannot be achieved by preaching alone. It needs to be made an integral part of social and state structures through comprehensive approaches based on equity and fairness.

Political theorists such as John Locke, Rousseau, Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, Hannah Arendt, Isiah Berlin and Jurgen Habermas have highlighted the need for political coexistence. Locke’s liberal political philosophy emphasised individual rights, equality and the idea that societies should accommodate diverse views. Rousseau’s idea of a ‘general will’ laid the foundations for modern ideas about balancing individual freedoms with collective harmony. Kant believed that the universal principles of justice have the potential to promote political harmony.

Mill underscored the importance of allowing diverse opinions and argued that clash of ideas leads to progress and political coexistence depends on the protection of individual freedoms and minority rights. Arendt argued that political coexistence thrives when individuals participate in shared public spaces, engaging in dialogue and conversation. Berlin highlighted that political coexistence requires recognition of the diversity, even when agreement is impossible. Habermas emphasised the need for dialogue and rational discourse in achieving political coexistence. He argued that democratic societies should encourage open discussion, debate and dialogue and seek to resolve political conflicts, peacefully.

Political coexistence can be promoted by having a fair political system, stable political structures and acceptance of its legitimacy by both the government and the opposition because both represent preference of their voters. Moreover, it is important to provide fair competition in electoral exercise and other political arenas to develop an environment of trust among the contenders for power. When a competition is not fair, trust can neither be developed among the masses nor the political leadership.

Pakistan is currently going through a political situation where the powerful establishment is exercising authority while political parties are playing a second fiddle role as its clients. The government does not enjoy overwhelming acceptance and the popular opposition lacks access to power. It needs to be borne in mind that post-Charter of Democracy, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf was a beneficiary and willing partner in a hybrid regime. As a client of the establishment, it had a similar role in government and was unable to deliver its campaign promises.

Given the patronage of the establishment, the current government seems comfortable. It has achieved certain foreign policy goals and enjoys cordial relations with traditionally friendly countries. It has also restored a semblance of economic stability so that some economic indicators and projections are positive. However, to attain sustainable economic growth, political stability is necessary. This may require a grand national dialogue on politics and economy.

The government and the state institutions have directed their energies towards managing the political conflict through deterrence and coercion. The political fault lines are quite pronounced and workers as well as leaders of opposition parties are frustrated. Such frustration can trigger catastrophic discontent, as has happened recently in Bangladesh. Therefore, political conflict needs to be resolved to channelise the energies of most political workers and leaders towards socio-economic development and nation building. The initiation of the current political dialogue can be a harbinger of positive change and begin an era of political coexistence.

Although it is a popular political party, the PTI has been unable to mount a formidable challenge to the government. It is internally weak and divided and a victim of many contradictions. It has no effective second-tier leadership. As a result, a trust gap exists between its supreme leader and the second tier as well as between common supporters and the second tier. This explains the coming to fore of Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, during the recent march that resulted in a fiasco and exposed the lack of depth in party’s rejection of dynastic politics.

The opposition’s willingness to hold talks with the government appears to have resulted from the threat of military court trials of its top leaders. It seems that the PTI as well as the establishment realise the desirability of not escalating an already grave situation and taking it to a point of no return. Most political stakeholders also understand that immediate elections are not a practical option. The present political setup is likely to continue. Meanwhile, it is important to keep political temperature in control and manage the difference amicably.

The split mandate of the latest elections requires that all parties realise that they have to share power. Nearly all major parties are represented in the provincial governments. One way to reduce political tensions can be the formation of a national government at the Centre on the basis of a new charter of democracy and economy that can revive the democratic process, promote democratic values in the long run and ensure fair elections in the future. Media, too, can play a significant role in promoting democratic values. Engaging the youth is necessary because they constitute a large share of the electorate. Without political and economic engagement of the youthful population, political coexistence cannot be achieved.

It is important to realise that the imposition of restrictions and political repression will not work. Hate based narratives whether social, religious or political, should be discouraged. The political parties have a lot in common and are equal stakeholders in the same political system. They will do well to acknowledge this.

The writer heads the History Department at University of Sargodha. He has worked as a research fellow at Royal Holloway College, University of London. He can be reached at abrar.zahoor@hotmail.com. His X handle: @AbrarZahoor1