“ENDGAME” CAN BE THE OPENING MOVE
Negotiation Isn’t Surrender — It’s the Only Exit Ramp Left
Years ago, I watched "Endgame" a powerful film about the secret negotiations that ended apartheid in South Africa. "Endgame" (2009) is a political thriller based on true events that dramatizes the secret negotiations between South Africa's apartheid government and the African National Congress (ANC) in the late 1980s. The film focuses on covert meetings brokered by a British businessman in rural England, where an Afrikaans professor (Willie Esterhuyse) and ANC representative (Thabo Mbeki) gradually build trust despite mutual hostility. Through tense dialogue and backroom diplomacy, it reveals how these unlikely talks — occurring while Nelson Mandela remained imprisoned — ultimately paved the way for apartheid's peaceful dismantling, demonstrating how even bitter enemies can negotiate when conflict becomes unsustainable.
What stayed with me wasn't just the brilliant performances, and tense dialogue, but its timeless lesson — even the worst enemies can find peace through sincere talks and a little strategic compromise. Today, as Pakistan faces its own political deadlock between Imran Khan (and the PTI) and the military establishment, the film's message rings truer than ever. Our crisis mirrors South Africa's in disturbing ways — the jailed leader becoming more powerful in captivity, the failed attempts to crush popular movements through force, and the dangerous stalemate that benefits no one.
The solution lies in recognizing three fundamental truths. First, neither side can achieve total victory — the military can't eliminate PTI's popularity any more than PTI can immediately dismantle the establishment's influence. Second, continued confrontation will only deepen Pakistan's economic and political crisis, much like international sanctions forced South Africa's hand (In Pakistan’s case, it won’t be sanctions, it would be something much worse). Third, and most importantly, history shows that the only way out is through negotiated compromise, no matter how difficult that may be.
Practical steps must follow this realization. We need sincere talks, hosted by a neutral entity, at a neutral venue, much like the Somerset negotiations depicted in the film. Imran Khan's release should be part of these confidence-building measures, just as Mandela's freedom paved the way for South Africa's transition. Both sides must identify credible intermediaries — perhaps respected retired figures who can bridge the trust gap. The business community could play a significant role in pushing for stability, as economic realities ultimately convinced South Africa's elites to change course. In Pakistan’s case, social, strategic, and security realities are also included.
Time is not on our side. Every day of deadlock weakens Pakistan's economy and social fabric. The military establishment must understand that repression breeds stronger resistance, while PTI leadership should recognize that compromise isn't surrender but the art of practical politics.
There are only two options we are left with.
A:
A Negotiated Exit (Like South Africa)
Secret talks → Khan’s release → phased elections.
Military keeps some influence, PTI gets a fair shot.
B:
Collapse (Like Syria or Venezuela)
More arrests → more protests → economy crashes → nobody wins.
"Endgame" proves that even the most entrenched systems can change when leaders choose dialogue over destruction. Military / military-backed government must know that you can’t kill an idea. Crushing PTI completely will backfire. And PTI must know that holding out for total victory is a fantasy. Push for a deal instead. Pakistan stands at a similar crossroads today — will we learn from history's lessons, or condemn ourselves to repeating its mistakes? The choice is ours, but the window for choosing wisely is closing fast.