Political Negotiations between Government and PTI Ended, Key Observations on Future Prospects

The political negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have officially ended, as both sides announced the conclusion of the talks. However, the National Assembly Secretariat has not yet formally de-notified the negotiating committees.

Political analysts suggest that the current situation reflects the stance of PTI’s leadership, particularly Imran Khan, who has been reluctant to engage in negotiations with the government from the outset of his political career. On the other hand, the government has also taken a strong position, opting to terminate the discussions.

**Why PTI is Reluctant to Engage in Negotiations in February**
Political analyst Majid Nizami explains that PTI sees no benefit in negotiations during the month of February. This timing coincides with the one-year anniversary of the general elections, which PTI has already labeled as rigged. PTI believes that engaging with the government during this period would undermine their narrative. As a result, PTI has opted to return to resistance politics instead, signaling a shift towards protests and street politics.

**PTI’s Shift Towards Protest Politics**
Majid Nizami also noted that PTI has made organizational changes and decided to focus on protest politics for the time being. He further stated that the government has chosen a hardline approach, signaling that they would not show any weakness. It was previously suggested that negotiations might not have been beneficial for the government, which would have little to offer PTI in such discussions.

**Negotiations May Resume After a Setback**
Political analysts like Ahmed Waleed believe that although both parties have currently adopted aggressive positions, there is still hope for resuming talks after a period of stagnation. PTI, he suggests, has consistently relied on public mobilization, protests, and rallies, as demonstrated in the 2014 dharna and in subsequent public events. While PTI’s performance in government was criticized, particularly in Punjab under Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, PTI’s failure to effectively govern may have led them to shift their focus towards direct political engagement with the public rather than negotiating with the government.

**The Impact of PTI’s Failed Protests and Internal Issues**
Ahmed Waleed highlighted that PTI’s multiple failed strategies—including civil disobedience campaigns and attempts to disrupt remittances—have not yielded the desired results. The party is now faced with a situation where they have no significant options left, except for protesting. With the 8th February call for protests, PTI aims to draw international attention to their cause, hoping for a response from external powers.

**Challenges for PTI’s Protest Strategy**
Hamad Hassan, another analyst, argues that PTI’s protest strategy is weakening. He pointed out that internal divisions, such as the conflict between Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, have already affected PTI’s unity. He also noted that PTI has been unsuccessful in leveraging certain tactics, such as Trump’s support, and suggested that PTI’s call for a protest on 8th February may fail as well, potentially leading to a further decline in their political influence and popularity.

Hassan suggested that PTI’s ability to effectively organize and lead protests may be diminished, particularly due to the lack of support from key figures within the party, as seen with the reduced influence of party leaders like Ali Amin Gandapur and others in KP. If PTI’s February protest does not succeed, the party’s credibility may suffer even further.

In conclusion, while the political landscape remains uncertain, analysts believe that PTI’s focus on protests, combined with internal divisions and a lack of clear alternatives, leaves them in a precarious position moving forward.