- Next week, seen as important for your interactions.
- PTI sympathizers who try to influence developments.
- No important advance was reported until now despite the continuous impulse.
Islamabad: Some Pakistani doctors and businessmen based in the United States, previously involved in a quiet diplomacy with respect to Imran Khan, have returned to Pakistan in the midst of new efforts to ensure relief for the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) imprisoned.
The group, which according to the reports met with a senior official and Imran Khan during a previous visit to Islamabad a couple of months ago, arrived this week and are currently in Lahore.
However, the sources suggest that the delegation has not yet managed to ensure a meeting with Khan during this visit, nor is it confirmed if there has been any interaction with key officials. Next week is considered important for its interactions.
It is understood that these visits are part of the unofficial channels in progress through which PTI supporters and diaspora figures try to influence the developments with respect to the legal and political future of Imran Khan.
Despite some informal contacts in recent months, significant advance has not been reported. According to sources familiar with the matter, progress in such efforts depends not only on political negotiations but also on the behavior of the social networks of Imran Khan and PTI and the messages of the foreign chapters of the party, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The military establishment has repeatedly declared that it would not be directly involved with political parties, but urges political forces to solve their problems between them. Even so, some PTI leaders continue to chase contact behind the scene with key officials, despite the public denials of such commitments.
The sources indicate that the persistent criticisms of Imran Khan and PTI to the military leadership through their official social media accounts and affiliated chapters have been a great obstacle in any possible reconciliation. Campaigns aimed at the military, the dissemination of alleged erroneous information and international lobbying efforts, including attempts to influence Washington and London, have further tensioned relations.
Some within the second level leadership of PTI recognize in private that these aggressive tactics have harmed the perspectives of the party, especially efforts destined to seek clemency or relief for Khan. There is a growing internal recognition that the party must attenuate its confrontation position, particularly on digital platforms, to allow significant dialogue and reduce institutional friction.
Observers believe that any improvement in PTI’s political fortune, and in particular, the “sufferings” of Imran Khan, will depend on the ability of the party to adopt a positive approach, avoid economic interruption and stop attacks on state institutions.
With the Pakistaní delegation abroad again trying to involve the authorities here, political analysts are observing closely to see if these efforts indicate a new phase of reconciliation or other lost opportunity for the PTI.
Originally published in the news
