Imran Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics and the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has agreed to engage in dialogue for reconciliation with the government, marking a significant turn in his and PTI’s political journey.
In a momentous turn of events after a prolonged period of discord, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has taken a crucial step towards resolution by agreeing to engage in talks with the government, as announced by party Chairman Barrister Gohar on Tuesday.
Emphasizing the necessity of dialogue to bridge the growing divide, Gohar stated, “We told the PTI founder that dialogue is necessary, as the distance is widening. He agreed with us [on this],” while addressing journalists outside the Adiala jail.
Moreover, Gohar revealed that Imran Khan has shown a remarkable willingness to initiate dialogue and extend forgiveness for past grievances in the pursuit of reconciliation. ‘PTI founder has repeatedly expressed his readiness to forgive what has transpired,’ shared the PTI chairman.
Responding to inquiries regarding the potential involvement of the Supreme Court in facilitating the negotiations, Barrister Gohar mentioned, ‘The option given by the SC, which is [specific role], is also under consideration.’ Nevertheless, he clarified that engaging in dialogue is solely PTI’s independent decision. ‘PTI founder did not write any letter to the SC for negotiation. PTI will also respond to its negotiation option,’ he affirmed.
Furthermore, Gohar emphasized that PTI is committed to initiating negotiations after discussions with Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the chief of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP). He underscored the existing alliance with Achakzai and other parties, highlighting the intention to seek their input. ‘Negotiations can also be held at the alliance level. PTI can also initiate itself,’ the party’s chief remarked, reiterating the inevitability of engaging in dialogue.
Gohar reiterated that PTI’s proposition for negotiations should not be misconstrued as a precursor to striking a formal agreement. Stressing the party’s openness to dialogue, he affirmed, “We have never refused to negotiate. The ice is breaking. We want things to improve.”
This significant shift in PTI’s approach follows Imran Khan’s directive to party leaders to initiate contacts both within and outside the Parliament to alleviate the prevailing political tensions, as reported by sources familiar with the matter. The sources indicated that PTI’s leadership received instructions to hold discussions with various political parties outside the Parliament, while also enhancing interactions with parties in the ruling coalition government.
The PTI chairman also disclosed that the party’s founder, during a meeting with lawyers, conveyed his distress over not being permitted to communicate with his sons, which is due to [specific reasons].
Notably, Imran Khan’s decision to embrace a reconciliatory stance comes in the aftermath of his interaction with Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, during a hearing at the Supreme Court pertaining to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law amendments. CJP Isa suggested that Khan may play a role in the Parliament to address Pakistan’s challenges ‘as the country needs to move forward.’
Sources confirmed that the former prime minister has empowered a three-member committee within his party to establish contact with the establishment, signaling a significant shift in PTI’s approach as it navigates the current political landscape.
