Analyst Najam Sethi has claimed that signs of reduced tensions and possible political engagement between the establishment and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are emerging.
Speaking about the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment, Sethi said the government may need PTI's support for its approval, making communication with PTI founder Imran Khan potentially important.
According to Sethi, Imran Khan has supported the creation of new provinces, but PTI's current leadership is unlikely to support the government on such a major constitutional matter without meeting and consulting its founder.
He said efforts could therefore be made to facilitate access to Imran Khan and move political communication forward. Sethi also suggested that a meeting between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Imran Khan now appears possible.
Sethi further highlighted the Supreme Court bench constituted to hear cases related to Imran Khan on August 18. He described the judges on the bench as independent in nature and suggested that a favourable development for PTI could potentially emerge from the proceedings.
The analyst said that if the government needs PTI's support for the constitutional amendment, some form of relief for Imran Khan could potentially become part of broader political discussions.
Sethi added that a meeting between Sohail Afridi and Imran Khan could become an initial step toward political engagement. However, he said the situation would become clearer in the coming days as political contacts and court proceedings develop.
