Govt, opposition must step back from confrontation

October 5, 2026

For two long days, both sides sat across the dialogue table. The nation expected a breakthrough, a settlement and a way forward. Sadly, nothing came of the talks, and now the blame game has begun.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has accused the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of backing away from several commitments made during talks between the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). PTI, on the other hand, says the main issues remained unresolved and no agreement could be reached.

The failure of the talks is disappointing because Pakistan badly needs political stability. The country is already facing serious economic and security challenges. Continued political confrontation will only make these problems more difficult to handle.

According to Naqvi, the KP government had agreed to a written plan on security and counterterrorism, a review of the Police Act 2026, action against militant groups and greater cooperation with the federal government and security institutions. The government also says there was agreement on the implementation of the National Action Plan and the issue of Afghan refugees.

These are serious matters and cannot be ignored. The security situation in KP demands cooperation between the federal and provincial governments. Political differences should not prevent the two sides from working together against terrorism.

At the same time, the federal government must understand that political issues cannot be solved through pressure alone. It should adopt a softer and more flexible approach towards the opposition. Dialogue becomes meaningful only when both sides are willing to listen and give some space to each other.

The opposition also has a responsibility. PTI and the KP government should show flexibility and avoid turning every issue into a political confrontation. Security and national interests should remain above party politics.

Both sides are responsible for the present political turmoil. Neither the government nor the opposition can claim complete innocence. The country needs political parties to sit together, reduce tensions and find common ground.

The government should take the first step by reopening the door for talks. The opposition should respond positively. Pakistan needs a settlement, not another confrontation. Dialogue may not solve every problem, but refusing dialogue will solve none.