The federal government has set a key condition for initiating negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI): a personal guarantee from the party’s founding chairman, Imran Khan, that he will fully accept any agreement reached during the talks.
Government’s Demand for Assurance
According to sources, the government insists Imran Khan—currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail—must personally endorse the negotiation process to ensure its legitimacy and success. Officials believe that without his assurance, the dialogue would be “meaningless,” as they view the former prime minister’s stance on such discussions as inconsistent.
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To strengthen the negotiation process, the government is considering the involvement of senior political figures like Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Maulana Fazlur Rehman as mediators, should the need arise. Their role would aim to facilitate and add credibility to the discussions.
PTI’s Position on Negotiations
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has reiterated the party’s call for “unconditional and comprehensive” negotiations to resolve the country’s ongoing political crisis. Speaking to media in Islamabad, Gohar stressed:
“There must be unconditional and inclusive talks to address the political crisis. It is crucial to find a lasting political solution to these matters.”
Formation of PTI Negotiation Committee
Last week, PTI leader Zartaj Gul revealed that Imran Khan had empowered a special committee to handle political engagements and negotiations. Speaking on Samaa TV’s ‘Nadeem Malik Live,’ Gul shared details of her recent seven-hour meeting with Imran Khan during a jail trial at Adiala Jail.
Key points included:
- Imran Khan’s direction for negotiations with all political parties.
- Formation of a negotiation committee comprising:
- Omar Ayub
- Hamid Raza
- Salman Akram Raja
- Asad Qaiser
- Omar Ayub was granted the authority to manage political affairs, with the committee empowered to make independent decisions on the negotiation process.
Informal Talks Underway
Meanwhile, PTI leader Asad Qaiser recently met National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to discuss the political situation and explore possibilities for formal negotiations. Sources suggest these informal talks could pave the way for official meetings, where PTI would present its demands.
The developments highlight a cautious but progressing approach toward resolving Pakistan’s political impasse, with both sides evaluating steps to engage in meaningful dialogue.
