The government must decide when and how to formally start negotiations with the opposition alliance
ISLAMABAD:
With the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Aeen Pakistan (TTAP) accepting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer of political dialogue, the ball now lies with the federal government to decide when and how to formally open talks with the opposition alliance.
However, the road to dialogue remains far from smooth as deep-seated divisions within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continue to cloud consensus on the party’s future policy course.
A faction within the PTI opposes dialogue with the government and is instead advocating a renewed agitation strategy – a course that has yielded little since the February 8, 2024 elections.
The group believes public sentiment remains ripe for protest over the continued detention of Imran Khan, but admits weak and fragmented party leadership has left supporters disoriented. They argue that any upcoming protest could prove decisive, citing the increased activism of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who has stepped up efforts to mobilize party workers across the country, especially in KP.
The Chief Minister is also scheduled to visit Lahore today (Friday).
Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, is also reported to be against engaging in talks with the current government.
However, there appears to be broad agreement in the party that Imran Khan has delegated authority over the future course of action to TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who accepted the prime minister’s offer of dialogue after what sources describe as careful consideration.
Another section of the party supports political engagement, arguing that the executive branch has effectively consolidated its power over the judiciary, offering little immediate prospect of relief from superior courts.
They also point to the absence of meaningful international pressure on the government to accommodate the PTI, despite it being the country’s largest political party.
These voices further note that the authorities have succeeded in instilling fear among PTI supporters in Punjab through sustained repression, limiting the party’s capacity to mobilize on the streets. With the government retaining several levers to further pressure the PTI, they argue that engaging at the negotiating table may be the only viable option to ensure political breathing space.
Sources also say PTI’s social media apparatus continues to play an important role in shaping the party’s political strategy.
Meanwhile, speculation continues over the timing of the government’s move. A political analyst suggests the ruling coalition may seek a broader consensus ahead of any decision to send troops to Gaza. Others point to the government’s lack of tangible success on the economic front as a possible factor behind its renewed encouragement of dialogue.
Meanwhile, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has said that the government should release senior PTI leaders including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mahmood Rasheed, Yasmin Rashid and Omar Cheema so that they can initiate dialogue on behalf of the party.
It is widely recognized that no meaningful dialogue with the opposition can succeed without taking Imran Khan on board. The government is likely to formally respond to the TTAP after the conclusion of the UAE president’s visit.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is believed to have extended the offer of political dialogue after consultations with powerful circles.
