ISLAMABAD: The confrontation between Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and the ruling coalition intensified on Wednesday, with sharp rhetoric from both sides amid heightened political tensions following last week’s strongly worded press briefing by the military spokesperson.
Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Information for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Affairs Ikhtiar Wali Khan declared that “things have reached a point of no return,” signalling the government’s hardened stance toward the opposition. Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali called for restraint, warning that “common sense should prevail” to avoid further political escalation.
Government hardens position
Addressing a press conference, Ikhtiar Wali alleged that the PTI had undermined national institutions and said all avenues of dialogue were now closed. “We have tolerated you with much grace for the sake of democracy,” he said. “But now there is no mercy and no tolerance.”
He claimed that support for the imprisoned PTI founder amounted to standing against Pakistan’s sovereignty and accused the former ruling party of failing to deliver development projects during its tenure. The remarks followed a Punjab Assembly resolution calling for a ban on Imran Khan and the PTI, which labelled them “anti-state”.
PTI, allies push back
Opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), which includes PTI, responded outside Parliament. PTI Chairman Gohar reiterated the party’s claim that its mandate had been “stolen” in the general elections and criticised restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan, despite a high court order permitting visitation.
“If you want to create distance between Imran Khan and the people, it is not possible,” he said, warning that confrontation would only deepen political instability.
PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai stressed that no meaningful dialogue could begin without allowing meetings with Imran. He condemned the alleged use of water cannons on PTI protesters outside Adiala jail, saying such actions risked fuelling public anger.
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PTI leader Asad Qaiser announced a “national conference” on Dec 20-21, inviting political parties and bar associations to shape a national agenda, while warning that moves such as governor’s rule in KP or shifting Imran Khan from Adiala jail would “push the country towards anarchy”.
Coalition leaders counter PTI narrative
PPP minister Sharjeel Memon described Imran Khan’s tenure as a “dark period” and accused the PTI of selective criticism of the establishment. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Aun Chaudhry urged Pakistanis abroad to recognise what he termed the PTI’s “venomous rhetoric”, accusing the party of attempting to create unrest through attacks on state institutions.
Wali assailed the PTI for its recent actions, warning the party, “We have tolerated you with much grace and for the sake of democracy. However, things have now reached a point of no return, no mercy and no tolerance.” https://t.co/6AbGnNdAf6
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 10, 2025
With both sides trading increasingly confrontational statements, prospects for political dialogue appear to be narrowing, despite appeals from some opposition leaders for de-escalation.
