Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Central Chairman Barrister Gohar claimed that government is ready for dialogue to bring political and constitutional reforms in the country.
He told that after opposition parties indicated their willingness to hold talks on national issues, the government has clearly informed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership that there will be no discussion on the February 8, 2024 general elections in any talks. According to sources, the government has taken a categorical stance that there will be no discussion on demands such as rejecting the 2024 elections, forming a commission on last year’s elections or handing over power to the opposition through talks.
Sources say that all objections related to the electoral process will be resolved only through election tribunals and courts, and the decisions of these institutions will be accepted, even if they are against the ruling parties. This message has been conveyed to the senior leadership of the PTI and the PTI has also conveyed the same position to the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Aayin Pakistan led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
According to sources, the government has also convinced the PTI that reopening the issue of 2024 elections will inevitably raise questions on the 2018 elections and other general elections held before them, which the government considers practically possible and politically viable. However, the sources added that the government has expressed its willingness to hold talks on institutional and constitutional reforms, national political issues, strengthening of parliament, rule of law and broader democratic reforms.
Discussions on political prisoners and other national-level issues can also be considered within the constitutional framework. Regarding the sensitive issues of the May 9 violence and cases related to attacks on military installations, the sources said that this matter is not within the government’s control alone. The involvement of stakeholders outside the civilian government is also necessary for any relief or solution. The sources pointed out that the military leadership’s position on May 9 has already been made public and there is no room for compromise. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that the PTI had received messages from the government, but declined to comment on their details. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once again offered talks to the PTI, stressing that talks could only be held on “legitimate demands”, while warning that “blackmailing under the guise of talks will not be fruitful.”
The leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) reacted cautiously but positively. They declared that they were ready for talks on national issues and constitutional restoration, while the PTI made it clear that it would not hold talks with the government.
Political observers say that while both sides are interested in reducing political tensions, fundamental differences over the 2024 elections and accountability for the May 9 incidents will determine whether these contacts go beyond a mere preliminary stage. Although the PTI is not ready for talks at this time, extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures, and the greatest and most urgent need for talks is with the PTI itself to pave the way for the restoration of political normalcy.
There are also fears that once again more PTI MPs may face indictment in the Sangjani Jalsa case by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court by January 7, the verdict of which will not take much time. It is a known fact that Imran Khan had authorized Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir on November 4, but so far there has been no significant progress regarding the talks. The situation regarding the movement, whether on the streets or in any other form, is also unclear. According to a source, for any progress in the future, it will be necessary for both sides to communicate directly in good faith.
Sources told this correspondent that after opposition parties indicated their willingness to hold talks on national issues, the government has clearly informed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership that there will be no discussion on the February 8, 2024 general elections in any talks. According to sources, the government has taken a categorical stance that there will be no discussion on demands such as rejecting the 2024 elections, forming a commission on last year’s elections or handing over power to the opposition through talks. Sources say that all objections related to the electoral process will be resolved only through election tribunals and courts, and the decisions of these institutions will be accepted, even if they are against the ruling parties. This message has been conveyed to the senior leadership of the PTI and the PTI has also conveyed the same position to the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Aayin Pakistan led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
According to sources, the government has also convinced the PTI that reopening the issue of 2024 elections will inevitably raise questions about the 2018 elections and other general elections held before them, which the government considers to be practically possible and politically viable. However, the sources added that the government has expressed its willingness to hold talks on institutional and constitutional reforms, national political issues, strengthening of parliament, rule of law and broader democratic reforms. Discussions on political prisoners and other national-level issues can also be considered within the constitutional framework.
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