
By Zain Khan Watozai
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), now under the leadership of Barrister Gohar, continues to face significant challenges in transitioning from a party skilled in street protests to one proficient in parliamentary politics. While it has excelled in rallying mass movements, its shortcomings in legislative negotiations and governance strategy are increasingly leaving it isolated on the political stage.
Recently, Barrister Gohar, alongside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, met with Army Chief General Asim Munir in the midst of ongoing dialogues with members of the ruling alliance. This move, widely criticized by analysts and party loyalists alike, has stirred debate over PTI’s approach. The meeting contradicted PTI’s earlier narrative that the military establishment holds undue sway in Pakistan’s political and state affairs—a claim repeatedly used to dismiss the legitimacy of the current government.
This encounter backfired politically, as critics labeled the party opportunistic and accused it of seeking favor with the establishment despite its anti-establishment rhetoric. Sympathizers who had trusted PTI’s commitment to standing against perceived military dominance have expressed disappointment, further damaging the party’s reputation.
PTI’s chairman has struggled to reconcile the party’s refusal to negotiate with what it has called a “powerless” government and its quiet engagement with the military. Imran Khan’s previous statements, including his allegation that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is merely a “batman” for the military establishment, have only made this apparent reversal more glaring.
Analysts argue that PTI’s reliance on protest politics has overshadowed its efforts to engage effectively in parliamentary practices. To succeed in a legislative framework, the party needs to prioritize coalition-building and policy formulation over conflict-driven rhetoric. Its current approach, focused on framing every political challenge as a battle between democratic principles and military interference, risks alienating allies and failing to address governance issues.
It is worth noting that PTI is not the first political force to navigate the intricate power dynamics involving Pakistan’s military establishment. However, the contradiction between its rhetoric and actions has exposed its inability to align its ideals with the realities of governance and parliamentary negotiations.
For PTI under Barrister Gohar’s leadership, the path forward requires introspection and strategic recalibration. Without a significant shift from its current trajectory, the party risks being cornered by its contradictions and losing its credibility as a viable political alternative.