THE opposition Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayin-i-Pakistan has announced that there will be no more talks with the government till the latter yields on the one thing it has resolutely sought to prevent: a meeting with jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. Having handed authority for further negotiation to Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the TTAP has made that meeting a precondition for a return to the table.
If there is any desire among the decision-makers to keep political temperatures in check, the government will take up Mr Achakzai’s offer to reason with Imran. The opposition leader is, after all, a veteran politician viewed with respect across party lines. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the government is in a reflective mood. It not only managed to dismiss the elected PTI government in KP, but has also had its decision approved by a joint sitting of parliament.
