A photo of opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai. SCREEN GRAB
LAHORE:
TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai has said that allowing meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan could help ease political tensions, stressing that those who control visiting rights hold the key to de-escalation.
Speaking at a brunch with a handful of senior journalists, Achakzai stressed that an opportunity must be given to engage with the jailed former prime minister and explore a way out of the ongoing political impasse.
He lamented that the meeting ban had only exacerbated tensions.
In a veiled message to those in power, Achakzai, who also heads the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, said that if the restriction on meetings with Imran Khan were lifted, he could potentially convince him to positively engage in dialogue with the other side and tone down his harsh rhetoric, which he said had so far hindered efforts to find an scapegoat.
Despite the informal setting, Achakzai remained evasive when asked how he planned to create political space for the PTI or create leverage that could secure him a seat at the negotiating table.
However, Achakzai did not seem keen on the idea of directly negotiating with the establishment for concessions. Instead, he leaned towards a broader political engagement, advocating a national government aimed at ensuring the supremacy of the constitution, respect for the rule of law and the judiciary, parliamentary supremacy and freedom of the press.
He acknowledged that some might disagree, but maintained that an 18-month national government involving PTI, PML-N and PPP could help lay the foundation for the future of democracy in Pakistan.
Responding to a question on whether he had discussed this proposal with Nawaz Sharif, whom he described as a friend, Achakzai said their last interaction was during a parliamentary session where he congratulated him on Maryam Nawaz becoming the Chief Minister of Punjab.
He lamented that there had been no contact since, adding that Nawaz Sharif, like others, was also restricted within the current setup.
Senior political journalist Mujeeb Ur Rehman Shami, who attended the brunch, remarked that Nawaz Sharif should have extended the courtesy of inviting Achakzai to his residence given his stature and presence in Lahore.
When asked if he could guarantee that the PTI leadership and Imran Khan’s sisters would support his efforts if he was allowed to meet the former prime minister, Achakzai said resuming meetings would help resolve any internal apprehensions in the party.
Responding to a question that drew parallels with the Pakistan Democracy Movement’s past strategy of combining public pressure with backchannel engagement, Achakzai rejected any such suggestion.
He said it would be wrong to assume he was in touch with powerful quarters just because others had done so in the past, and warned that short-term solutions could lead to long-term disasters.
He warned that sidelining the country’s most popular leader was detrimental to national unity.
