Mere popularity cannot guarantee power in Pakistan, analyst Suhail Warraich has said as jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s party demands “stolen mandate back” from the ruling coalition.

“Popularity in the country is associated with acceptance. Just popularity cannot get anyone power or rule,” he said while appearing on Rubaroo which was aired on Aaj News on Thursday. “Power is the height of popularity but acceptance is more powerful. And this has happened.”

He was asked about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s demand for getting their mandate back. Khan’s party claims that the February 8 general elections were rigged. Since then, it has staged rallies and asked international communities to take notice of it.

It has been part of their demands for talks with the government. But the ruling coalition has maintained that it cannot happen as it would affect the economy and political stability.

“I suggest that the way out is that both parties opt for a ‘sensible way’. Illogical demands cannot be asked for,” Warraich said and advised the PTI to ask for the release of Khan and other prisoners.

“Sensibility is that both parties know each other’s power and talk as per the level,” he added.

Warraich, who is associated with Geo News, gave examples of late former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif who joined Parliament despite having low seats. It’s about patience as both the leaders later got their chance to rule.

He reiterated that the solution to the situation is to have talks and a truce. “And maybe a national government will also be formed in the future. But I don’t see it now.”

He was of the view that fighting does not suit either the PTI or the government. “Talks take time,” Warraich said and added that the government has gained after thwarting Khan’s party’s Islamabad march.

When asked about the recent efforts for talks, the analyst said that neither side had shown any seriousness as dialogue required confidence building measures and mutual trust.

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According to the analyst, the PTI’s strategy to target the establishment was “wrong” and it was better for the party to not indulge in the army’s politics.

He added that former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s execution was neither good for the country nor the army. An effort to dismantle the Pakistan Peoples Party made them more popular, he said.

Warraich advised the PTI to step back from some of its demands while sitting for talks. “The PTI has popularity leverage. The challenge for the establishment is that the vote is with Imran Khan. Until Khan is out of the system there will not be political stability. Everyone has learned after fighting. Now timing matters and the government wants PTI to be weaker.”