Recent PTI protests in several parts of the country plainly demonstrate that former Prime Minister Imran Khan is committed to pursue a confrontational political style, throwing the country into perpetual agitation.
He reportedly told his followers to make it extremely difficult for the current government to conduct state affairs. The PTI appears to be on a collision course not only with Shehbaz’s government, but also with the forces that be.
Khan’s persistence may have encouraged state institutions to stiffen their stance. The recent corps commanders’ conference, which pledged to punish the culprits of the May 9 attacks, exemplifies this unwavering commitment. The declaration also conveys the sense that no political uncertainty or agitation will be tolerated.
The nomination of Ali Amin Gandapur as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chief minister, as well as the appointment of hardliners to important positions in the party and parliament, has not gone well with any stakeholder. The PTI may have anticipated that by making these appointments, it would pressure the powers that be to negotiate with Khan, but this strategy appears to have backfired.
