“The PTI neither offered any talks nor sought any favours,” Khan stated, refuting claims that the party had initiated dialogue with the PML-N. He emphasized that recent meetings involving PTI were strictly confined to discussions related to the National Assembly and had no bearing on political negotiations with the ruling party.
The PTI chairman’s comments come amidst reports that hinted at possible negotiations between PTI and PML-N. Despite these speculations, Khan reiterated that no PTI lawmaker is in contact with PML-N leadership for negotiations. He made it clear that his party harbors no intention of engaging in talks with the current ruling party.
PML-N’s Interest in Negotiations
In contrast, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and the leader of the PTI-led opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan, confirmed the PML-N’s interest in negotiations. Achakzai stated, “All the political leadership, including Nawaz Sharif, is on the same page with regard to the Constitution. I have met Rana Sanaullah. There is no other way to take the country forward except through negotiations.” He criticized PTI for not responding positively to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer for talks and suggested that the party should have shown willingness to negotiate.
Despite Achakzai’s confirmation, uncertainty remains about the feasibility of PTI-PML-N talks. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, has repeatedly stated his reluctance to engage in dialogue with the Nawaz Sharif-led party. Khan emphasized that he would only negotiate with those who hold real power in the country and within the constitutional framework.
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Last month, Khan reiterated his stance, saying, “Achakzai will only talk with political parties,” and stressed that he is open to discussions only if they adhere to constitutional provisions.
PML-N Leaders Oppose Talks with PTI
Adding to the complexity of the situation, two senior PML-N leaders, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, have expressed their opposition to talks with PTI. Iqbal has conditioned any potential dialogue on PTI’s apology for the violent protests that occurred on May 9 last year. Meanwhile, Asif, who was not part of the team tasked with engaging Achakzai, voiced his opposition to any dialogue with PTI.
Khan clarified that his recent meeting with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq was solely focused on legislative matters. “No PTI member of parliament is in contact with PML-N leadership over talks,” Khan reiterated. He stressed that neither the PTI parliamentary leadership nor the party itself has sought or intends to pursue negotiations with the PML-N.
In a separate statement, Khan acknowledged the formation of a government committee for negotiations but emphasized that PTI has not been formally approached by any party. “We have not been told by anyone but the formation of a government committee for negotiations is a good thing,” he remarked.
The ongoing debate over potential PTI-PML-N talks highlights the complex and contentious nature of Pakistan’s political landscape. As political leaders navigate these challenges, the future of dialogue and negotiations between the key parties remains uncertain.
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