Political history is often written through the decisions of governments and the pronouncements of institutions. Yet behind many moments of transition lie quieter efforts—dialogues, mediation, and informal bridges built between leaders during times of crisis. Having witnessed several turning points in Pakistan’s political evolution over the past decades, I feel it is appropriate to reflect on these experiences and on the role of conflict management in navigating national challenges.
Pakistan’s political landscape in the early 1990s was marked by institutional tensions and constitutional crises. In April 1993, President Ghulam Ishaq Khan exercised his authority to dismiss the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif under Article 58(2)(b) of the Constitution. In the aftermath, Balakh Sher Mazari was appointed caretaker Prime Minister to oversee the transition.
During that tense period, several informal channels of dialogue were necessary to prevent political polarization from escalating into institutional breakdown. In my personal capacity, I remained engaged in discussions with political leaders and stakeholders who were seeking ways to reduce confrontation and restore political continuity.
Among the discussions that remain vivid in my memory were the extended conversations with Shehbaz Sharif at his residence in Model Town, Lahore. These exchanges took place during a particularly sensitive phase of political negotiations, separate from formal meetings at the Chief Minister’s House. The focus of our dialogue centered on conflict resolution, political accommodation, and the importance of maintaining institutional stability during moments of constitutional uncertainty.
Years later, during the final phase of Pervez Musharraf’s government, I again encouraged dialogue and political accommodation among national leaders. Through my long-standing personal relationship with Shahbaz Sharif, I advocated for broader political participation and reconciliation involving both Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, believing that inclusive political processes were essential for Pakistan’s stability and democratic continuity.
My engagement in public affairs, however, began much earlier. During the period immediately following the military takeover by Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq in July 1977, I was serving as a leading elected student representative at one of Pakistan’s major university campuses. In that role, I interacted with senior officials, including Lt. Gen. Jahanzeb Arbab, in Karachi during the early phase of the martial law administration. Even at that stage of my life, I believed strongly that dialogue and mediation were essential tools for preventing conflict and sustaining national cohesion.
Over the decades, I have had the opportunity to engage in conversations with a wide range of political and national leaders, including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Gen. Zia-ul-Haq, General Asif Nawaz Janjua, Benazir Bhutto, Shahbaz Sharif, and Pervez Musharraf. Each interaction reinforced my belief that Pakistan’s political system—despite its turbulence—has always possessed the capacity for dialogue and negotiated solutions.
In parallel with these engagements in Pakistan, I have also had the privilege of interacting with members of the United States Congress, the Senate, and senior officials from the U.S. Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, and defense institutions in Washington. These exchanges were conducted in my personal capacity, with the support and goodwill of friends in the U.S. Congress who, like me, believe that constructive engagement between Pakistan and the United States is essential for regional stability.
I particularly acknowledge the encouragement and friendship extended by distinguished American leaders, including Michael McCaul, Ron Estes, the late Daniel Inouye, and Bob Corker. I also appreciate the contributions of Joanne Herring, whose long-standing involvement in U.S.–Pakistan relations is widely recognized, as well as General John Bradley and officials of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan who supported dialogue-oriented initiatives.
Throughout these decades, my guiding principle has remained consistent: conflict must be managed through dialogue, understanding, and respect for national security interests on all sides. Pakistan and the United States share strategic interests in regional stability, counter-extremism, and economic cooperation. Constructive engagement between the two nations serves not only their respective peoples but also the broader international community.
The Middle East today faces renewed turbulence and uncertainty. Yet history teaches us that even the most complex conflicts ultimately move toward resolution when diplomacy and rational leadership prevail. I remain optimistic that the current turmoil in the region will eventually give way to a more stable and peaceful order.
Peace, after all, is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the product of persistent dialogue, patient diplomacy, and the courage to build bridges across divisions.
Long live the friendship between the United States and Pakistan.
About the Author?Dr. Gholam Mujtaba, MS, MD, Ed.D., is the Chairman of the Pakistan Policy Institute USA (PPI-USA), a U.S.-based policy think tank that promotes U.S.–Pakistan parliamentary dialogue and regional peace initiatives. A Pakistani-American scholar and Republican community leader, he has long been engaged in diplomatic outreach and policy discussions to strengthen bilateral relations and promote stability in South Asia and beyond.
https://medium.com/@greetmujtaba/quiet-bridges-in-turbulent-times-reflections-on-conflict-management-in-pakistans-political-56298c7cc37e
