ISLAMABAD: Renowned political analyst Najam Sethi has claimed that tensions between the establishment and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are gradually easing, with political contacts beginning to emerge. Sethi suggested that the government may require PTI’s support for the 28th Constitutional Amendment, making engagement with PTI founder Imran Khan crucial.
Sethi noted that Imran Khan has historically favored the establishment of new provinces, but the current PTI leadership is unlikely to support the government without first meeting and consulting with him. In this context, he said the PTI leadership’s efforts to reach out to Imran Khan may move forward, adding that a meeting between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Imran Khan seems possible.
The analyst also highlighted the significance of the Supreme Court bench formed on August 18 to hear cases related to Imran Khan, describing the judges as independent and suggesting that a favorable outcome for PTI may be possible. Sethi further speculated that if the government needs PTI’s support to approve the constitutional amendment, some relief for Imran Khan could be considered in return.
According to Sethi, Sohail Afridi’s meeting with Imran Khan could mark the initial stage of political contacts. However, he clarified that the situation will become clearer in the coming days through both political contacts and judicial developments.
