Consensus in Crisis: A Historical Overview of Pakistan's Political Conferences

The history of Round Table Conferences (RTCs) and All Parties Conferences (APCs) in Pakistan reflects the country's turbulent political landscape and the efforts to address national and political issues through dialogue and consensus. These conferences have played a significant role in shaping Pakistan's political history, offering platforms for political leaders to discuss critical issues, resolve conflicts, and chart the course for the nation's future.

The concept of Round Table Conferences in Pakistan can be traced back to the British colonial period, when such meetings were held to discuss the future governance of India. However, in the context of Pakistan, the most notable RTCs began in the 1980s during the military regime of General Zia-ul-Haq. Facing mounting pressure from political parties and civil society for the restoration of democracy, General Zia-ul-Haq convened a series of RTCs to engage political leaders in discussions about the country's political future. These conferences, although initially seen as a means to placate opposition, eventually led to significant political developments, which marked a return to civilian rule after a prolonged period of military dictatorship.

All Parties Conferences have been a recurring feature of Pakistan's political landscape, particularly in times of crisis. APCs serve as forums where representatives from various political parties come together to deliberate on pressing national issues. Over the years, APCs have been convened to address a wide range of issues, from constitutional amendments and electoral reforms to security challenges and economic crises.

One of the earliest significant APCs was convened in 1964, during the tenure of President Ayub Khan, to discuss the situation in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The conference aimed to address the grievances of the Bengali population and sought to find a political solution to the rising tensions. Although the APC managed to bring political parties to the table, it failed to achieve a lasting resolution.

Another most important APC was held in 1970, organized by then-President Yahya Khan, to discuss the political future of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and the conduct of the general elections. However, the failure to reach a consensus during this APC contributed to the political turmoil that ultimately led to the secession of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.

Throughout the 1970s, APCs continued to serve as a critical mechanism for addressing national crises. The political instability during Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s government saw several APCs being called to tackle issues ranging from economic policies to constitutional amendments. However, the most notable APC during this period was the one held in 1977, following the controversial general elections that led to widespread protests and the imposition of martial law by General Zia-ul-Haq. The APC of 1977 aimed to broker a political settlement between Bhutto’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the opposition Pakistan National Alliance (PNA). Although it failed to prevent the military coup, it underscored the importance of political dialogue in averting national crises.

The APCs held during the democratic era of the 1990s were primarily focused on electoral reforms and efforts to strengthen democratic institutions. Notably, the APC convened by Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 1993 aimed to address the political and economic challenges facing the country. This conference, attended by major political leaders, resulted in a consensus on several key issues, including the need for economic reforms and measures to tackle corruption. Similarly, the APC organized by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 1997 sought to build a broad political consensus on constitutional amendments, particularly those aimed at curbing the powers of the President and restoring the parliamentary system.

The turn of the millennium saw a resurgence of APCs as Pakistan faced new challenges in the post-9/11 era. The APC held in 2002, following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, brought together political parties to discuss Pakistan’s role in the War on Terror. The conference underscored the need for a unified stance on national security and foreign policy, although differences in opinion persisted among the participants. Despite these differences, the APCs during this period played a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s policy responses to regional and global developments.

In more recent times, APCs have been instrumental in addressing security challenges and fostering political stability. APC held under the banner of the All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM), it was hosted by Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto. The primary issues were the restoration of democracy and judicial independence following the imposition of emergency rule by Pervez Musharraf.

Following the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007, an APC was convened by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to unite political forces against terrorism and extremism. This conference underscored the need for a coordinated national response to the growing threat of terrorism, leading to the formulation of the National Action Plan (NAP) in 2015. The NAP, a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy, was a direct outcome of the consensus reached during the APC and has since played a crucial role in Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism.

The 2010s saw APCs becoming increasingly significant in addressing internal security issues and political reforms. The APC convened in September 2013 by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was particularly notable, as it sought to address the escalating threat of terrorism and insurgency in the country. The conference brought together leaders from across the political spectrum and resulted in a unanimous decision to initiate peace talks with the Taliban. Although the peace process faced numerous challenges, the APC demonstrated the potential for political unity in addressing national security concerns.

In 2020, APC led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), a coalition of opposition parties, this APC aimed to discuss the PTI government's performance and to strategize a movement for the restoration of what they considered true democratic governance.

The impact of APCs on Pakistan's political history has been profound, often serving as turning points in the nation's trajectory. These conferences have facilitated dialogue and negotiation among political stakeholders, enabling them to reach agreements on contentious issues. However, the success of APCs has varied, with some yielding tangible results and others failing to achieve their intended objectives due to political disagreements and lack of implementation.

In the current political scenario, an anticipated APC called by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif holds significant importance. Convene in the context of the proposed Azm-e-Istehkam Operation initiated by the Armed Forces, this APC aims to address the multifaceted challenges facing the country, including security threats, economic instability, and political polarization. The operation itself will be comprehensive military and intelligence-driven campaign designed to counteract insurgency, terrorism, and organized crime, particularly in regions such as Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

One of the key impacts of this APC is the potential to forge a unified political front against terrorism and insurgency. By bringing political leaders together, the conference aims to transcend partisan differences and create a cohesive national strategy. This unity is vital for bolstering the morale of the Armed Forces and enhancing their effectiveness in combating security threats. Additionally, a unified political stance can help garner international support for Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts, as it signals a collective commitment to addressing security challenges.

Moreover, the APC's deliberations on economic policies and reforms are expected to have significant implications for Pakistan's economic stability. The Azm-e-Istehkam Operation not only addresses security concerns but also aims to create a conducive environment for economic growth and development. By discussing and reaching consensus on economic measures, the APC can pave the way for policies that promote investment, job creation, and sustainable development. The conference's outcomes could lead to the implementation of reforms which will be address structural weaknesses in the economy and enhance Pakistan's resilience to external shocks.

Another important aspect of the APC is its potential to mitigate political polarization and foster a culture of dialogue and cooperation. In a country where political rivalries often hinder progress, the APC provides an opportunity for political leaders to engage in constructive discussions and build bridges. The conference's emphasis on consensus-building can help reduce tensions and create a more stable political environment, which is essential for addressing the country's pressing challenges.

However, the success of the proposed APC called by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will depend on several factors, including the willingness of political leaders to engage in sincere and meaningful dialogue, the commitment to implementing agreed-upon measures, and the ability to maintain the momentum of cooperation beyond the conference. The outcomes of the APC will also be influenced by the broader geopolitical context, including regional dynamics and international support.

The anticipated impact of APC will extend to Pakistan’s foreign policy and security strategy. The conference will highlight the need for a unified stance on regional and global issues, particularly in the context of the evolving security dynamics in South Asia. Such kind of discussions on counter-terrorism measures and regional cooperation may be underscore the importance of a cohesive national strategy in addressing security threats.

Lastly, the history of Round Table Conferences and All Parties Conferences in Pakistan underscores the importance of dialogue and consensus in addressing national and political issues. These conferences have played pivotal roles in shaping Pakistan's political landscape, often serving as catalysts for significant developments. The proposed APC called by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, in the context of the Azm-e-Istehkam Operation, holds the potential to create a unified political front, enhance national security, and promote economic stability. Its success will hinge on the collective commitment of political leaders to prioritize national interests over partisan agendas and work collaboratively towards a more secure and prosperous Pakistan.