ISLAMABAD: In an apparent U-turn from its earlier assertions that the former ruling party would only talk to ‘empowered’ stakeholders and not the ‘toothless ruling’ coalition, PTI founder Imran Khan ordered the party’s top brass to reach out to the government for a dialogue to end the political impasse.
The change of heart came in light of remarks by the Supreme Court during a hearing of the NAB amendments case, in which the bench observed that the PTI should initiate talks with the government and resolve its issues in parliament through dialogue.
Speaking to journalists outside Adiala Jail where Imran Khan is incarcerated, PTI leader Gohar Ali Khan said the former prime minister has given the go-ahead for the talks with the government. He said the party would initially take its allies into confidence but could also take a solo flight on the issue.
It may be noted that a delegation of PTI leaders meets the incarcerated chief to seek guidelines for the future after sharing the ongoing political developments with him. The PTI leader claimed that the delegation requested Imran Khan that the political party should start negotiations as the “differences were increasing”; at this, Mr Khan agreed and greenlit the talks.
He said that the suggestion given by the apex court was also under consideration but it was PTI’s own decision to hold a dialogue. Replying to a question, he said that Imran Khan has not written any letter to the Supreme Court of Pakistan for negotiations but may respond to the court’s offer for negotiations.
He made it clear that in the first phase, the PTI would take the allies, including Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Mahmood Khan Achakzai into confidence. It may be noted Mr Achakzai is leading the multi-party coalition alliance for the supremacy of the Constitution of which the PTI is a part.
Mr Gohar said the talks with the government could be initiated through the opposition platform or by the PTI on its own, adding that the PTI had reached the conclusion that talks were the only option available to the party.
