Since his removal from office, Imran Khan’s aggressive policies have plunged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) into a dead end. Analysts believe that the PTI’s dire state is primarily due to its founder, Imran Khan, and his overseas supporters. Whenever a glimmer of hope emerges for the party, Imran Khan or his expatriate backers take a misstep that extinguishes that light, turning optimism into despair.

Observers argue that Imran Khan’s failure to anticipate the consequences of his actions has long been his Achilles’ heel. Known for his inability to think beyond immediate concerns, Khan’s well-wishers have repeatedly urged him to adopt a conciliatory approach, only to be ignored. His stubbornness has not only landed him behind bars but has also ensnared his closest allies, many of whom now face relentless legal battles. Even as the government initiates negotiations, Khan introduces new conditions, risking the collapse of talks and potentially leading to the end of PTI’s political relevance.

The Toll of protest politics

Analysts question the utility of PTI’s protest-driven politics, which have yielded little more than economic losses and societal disruptions. The party’s tactics have wasted the nation’s time, damaged the economy to the brink of bankruptcy, and subjected the common man to unbearable hardship. Khan’s reluctance to adapt to evolving national and international dynamics underscores his failure to comprehend the broader implications of his strategies.

Imran Khan’s penchant for mass rallies has also come under scrutiny. Critics point out that assembling large crowds is not an extraordinary feat, drawing comparisons to street performers and snake charmers who manage to gather spectators. Instead of boasting about crowd sizes, Khan should focus on sound political decisions to salvage his diminishing political capital.

Confrontation vs. negotiation

Resistance in politics is not inherently problematic, but direct confrontation with state institutions is neither constitutional nor strategic. Khan’s confrontational rhetoric against the state and its institutions lacks public support and risks further alienation. His inability to maintain a balance between resistance and reconciliation has left PTI operatives oscillating between different political factions in search of support, from religious clerics to nationalist leaders, ultimately leading them to the Speaker of the National Assembly’s doorstep.

Observers note that Khan’s pattern of abrupt policy reversals has eroded trust in his leadership. While he initiates dialogue, his concurrent threats of civil disobedience create an environment of uncertainty. Such strategies, analysts argue, resemble a hijacker’s ultimatums rather than legitimate political bargaining.

A Path to revival?

Imran Khan must recognise that his current trajectory is unsustainable. To prevent PTI’s political demise, he should abandon his combative approach, address his grievances through the judiciary, and rein in his social media teams from targeting state institutions. Constructive engagement, free from preconditions, could reopen pathways for PTI’s revival.

However, with Khan’s recent statements and threats, it appears he is resolutely steering PTI towards political oblivion. Analysts warn that unless Khan adopts a pragmatic approach, the political burial of PTI will become an inevitable reality.