ISLAMABAD:
Hopes of a political thaw following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for talks with the opposition have quickly faded as the dialogue process remains stalled by mutual recriminations and the absence of any formal outreach.
The opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), responded with a conciliatory tone, accepting the prime minister’s call for engagement and calling for the formulation of a new national charter to guide the country out of its overlapping crises.
But three days later, the initiative appears to have stalled, with no tangible progress reported on either side.
TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousufzai categorically denied that any contact had been made by the government. Speaking to The Express Pakinomist on Saturday, he said that despite public statements signaling openness to negotiations, no formal approach had been initiated.
“We are in the opposition and cannot take the first step. It is the government’s responsibility to formally initiate dialogue,” Yousufzai said.
Addressing questions regarding internal Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) factions opposed to talks, Yousufzai dismissed the concern, saying that Imran Khan has clearly authorized Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas to lead the dialogue process.
“We don’t care about anything else. Aleema Khan has been taken into confidence and the family and all relevant stakeholders are fully on board,” he added.
However, the government maintains that the responsibility for initiating engagement lies with the opposition. Speaking separately to The Express Pakinomist, Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry criticized the opposition’s stand and accused the PTI leadership of lacking seriousness.
The deputy minister said the doors to National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq remain open if the opposition wants to open a channel of communication.
Yousufzai dismissed claims that the matter falls within the speaker’s domain, pointing out that previous attempts through negotiating bodies had failed. He emphasized that the issue could not be resolved at that level, nor solely by the Prime Minister.
“Even when Mahmood Achakzai talks about dialogue, he directs it at Nawaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif should behave like a statesman and take responsibility,” he said.
While expressing hope that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would play his part, Yousufzai noted that such a move would come with his brother’s consent. He also said that TTAP expects Rana Sanaullah to contribute to the process, citing his recent expression of willingness during a private television appearance.
The TTAP spokesman dismissed further reports of any back-channel contacts and reiterated that no such engagement exists.
“This is the domain of Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Mahmood Khan Achakzai. If contact is made, they will deal with it and decide what our course of action should be,” he said.
However, the Home Minister put the ball firmly in PTI’s court.
“So far PTI’s political leadership has not come forward. They do not believe in dialogue. They want a situation like Sri Lanka or Bangladesh to arise in Pakistan, but we will not let their dream come true,” he insisted.
He also questioned the effectiveness of TTAP, saying: “Let’s see how long Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen Pakistan lasts, because nothing will happen until their ‘sister’ herself comes forward. As for TTAP, poor Mahmood Achakzai is just running around trying to save his dignity.”
The minister reiterated the government’s stated position and said the administration remains open to engagement.
“We are ready for dialogue. We are absolutely willing to talk about issues of national importance and national interest. The doors of Sadiq Sahib’s chamber are open; we are fully prepared,” he said, adding that any discussion should focus on national issues rather than personal matters.
Some observers believe meaningful engagement remains necessary as the country continues to grapple with political uncertainty alongside economic and governance challenges.
Talks between the government and the opposition, particularly the PTI, have been in focus since last year, but progress has proved elusive.
Given the differences in interests on both sides, the prospect of any significant breakthrough appears remote. Nevertheless, certain elements in both camps continue to advocate for at least some level of engagement to cool the political temperature.
