The deadlock persists

It is quite unfortunate that the government-opposition deadlock still persists. Both sides seem to have taken hardened positions. Both sides seem to have decided not to take the middle ground. The government, however, is required to take a major initiative aimed at resolving this protracted deadlock. The opposition leaders, particularly Maulana Fazlur Rahman of JUI-F, need to show some flexibility to soften their positions. The dharna or sit-in has unfortunately given birth to tensions across the country. The situation is fraught with certain dangers. The army has repeatedly made it clear that it is a non-political institution. Sanity must gain ground without any further loss of time. Both PTI and JUI-F leaderships are required to come up with some “creative” ideas to end this stalemate.

Islamabad Bashir Asad