Former Sindh governor Mohammad Zubair has stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is not operating under normal conditions, facing intense pressure and severe restrictions.

Speaking on Aaj News’ programme “Rubaru” with host Shaukat Paracha, he emphasised that PTI has exhausted all options, including attempting a solo political strategy, but the pressure has not eased.

He suggested that PTI should have formed an opposition alliance much earlier with parties like Jamaat-e-Islami, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

However, he added, “Better late than never — this move might still yield results.”

Zubair highlighted PTI’s legal and political hurdles following the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

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He argued that the judiciary is unlikely to challenge the executive, and the courts have refused to form a full bench on this constitutional matter.

“Islamabad High Court’s situation is well known, and PTI’s key cases are either there or in the Supreme Court. With legal doors shut, no hope from the Election Commission or Parliament, media restrictions, social media clampdowns, and even state violence, what options does PTI have left?” he questioned.

Zubair acknowledged internal conflicts within PTI but maintained that the party is under exceptional pressure.

“Figures like Salman Akram Raja or others may attempt reforms, but ground realities will not change,” he noted.

He criticised Imran Khan’s long-standing preference for a solitary approach, pointing out that even during his tenure as prime minister, he refused to engage with the opposition.

Meanwhile, former Sindh governor Imran Ismail dismissed the likelihood of a grand opposition alliance but admitted that PTI must make political adjustments.

“PTI will have to accommodate Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. If they want to strengthen the alliance, they need to consider future political relations with him and whether he will be given space in the next elections,” he explained.

Ismail asserted that PTI cannot succeed without forming an opposition alliance.

“Their battle is not just against the government but against other forces as well. They frequently mention figures like Yahya Khan, indicating the real nature of their struggle. PTI must now decide which path it wants to take,” he said.