Govt, PTI to initiate negotiations to resolve political deadlock

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have agreed to engage in negotiations aimed at ending the prolonged imprisonment of the PTI founder, its leaders, and workers, in an effort to ease the tense political atmosphere in the country.

In the wake of the recent de-escalation of cross-border tensions, the government has turned its focus to internal political issues. In this context, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to the opposition for negotiations, an offer that has been accepted by the PTI.

Incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed his willingness to hold talks with the government, following the recent overture from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Read: Imran Khan’s sons break silence on father's incarceration

According to informed sources, Imran Khan granted permission to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan to proceed with talks after both leaders met in Adiala Jail on Monday, 

However, the former premier emphasised that the negotiations should take place away from media spotlight to ensure meaningful progress.

Privy sources in PTI confirmed that the party will now formally approach the government to advance the negotiation process. The party believed that previous attempts at dialogue failed due to excessive media scrutiny; therefore, this time, a more discreet and focused approach is necessary.

Chairman PTI Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that he had conveyed the Prime Minister’s offer to Imran Khan. However, he declined to share any details about the discussions in media.

Read: 'Imran isolated in prison despite court orders:' Aleema Khan

This development follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent address to the National Assembly, during which he invited PTI to join national-level talks. While Barrister Gohar had initially welcomed the proposal, PTI sources maintained that no progress could be made without Imran Khan’s explicit consent.

Party sources also revealed that Imran Khan wanted the talks to be supported by the military establishment. Additionally, the sources also confirmed Imran Khan’s will to facilitation of establishment in talks.

This move toward reconciliation came amid increasing calls for political unity following a recent misadventure by India.