ISLAMABAD: Efforts by senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders to open dialogue with the government and mend ties with the military establishment continue to falter, primarily due to Imran Khan’s uncompromising stance and the establishment’s deep-seated distrust of him.
Sources reveal that several senior PTI figures—both imprisoned and free—have been urging reconciliation, warning that continued confrontation has further isolated the party and eroded its political standing. Their attempts, however, have failed to make headway as Khan remains adamantly opposed to any talks with the ruling coalition.
The deadlock was reinforced when Khan, in a strongly worded message from Adiala Jail on July 8, rejected calls for negotiation, declaring, “The time for negotiations is over.” He instead announced a nationwide protest campaign set to begin in early August, effectively undermining conciliatory moves initiated by senior leaders like Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
Political analysts argue that as long as Khan persists in his confrontational posture—particularly toward the military’s top command—PTI’s prospects for political rehabilitation remain bleak. Even within the party, many acknowledge that reconciliation will be impossible unless Khan and PTI’s media machinery cease targeting the army.
Yet, even if PTI were to soften its tone, insiders say the establishment’s mistrust runs deep. Khan’s unrelenting criticism of the military leadership over the past three years has alienated both current and future command structures, creating a significant barrier to any rapprochement.
Despite his enduring popularity among supporters, Khan’s deteriorating relationship with the establishment has prompted speculation that PTI’s revival may depend on alternate leadership—potentially figures like Shah Mehmood Qureshi or Chaudhry Pervez Elahi—who may be more acceptable to the power circles.
For now, PTI’s politics remain confined by Imran Khan’s defiance. His refusal to compromise or open dialogue leaves the party cornered and estranged from key state institutions. Unless a pragmatic shift occurs, the path to political normalisation seems firmly blocked.
 leaders to open dialogue with the government and mend ties with the military establishment continue to falter, primarily due to Imran Khan’s uncompromising stance and the establishment’s deep-seated distrust of him.){kind=link}