PPP signals talks with PTI if Imran Khan agrees

Senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Khurshid Shah has stated that his party is prepared to facilitate dialogue if Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is willing to engage.

Speaking to the media in Quetta, Shah welcomed the possibility of talks as a positive development.

"It is being said that the PTI founder is ready to talk. If Imran Khan is ready to talk then that's a positive thing.

"President Asif Ali Zardari has always tried to solve problems through negotiations, and the PPP would play its role if needed," Shah said.

The PPP's willingness to engage comes amidst a period of heightened political instability, following the PTI's hard-line stance against the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led government.

The PPP, along with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and other allies, supports the PML-N.

Since Khan's ouster through a vote of no confidence in 2022, the PTI has maintained a strong opposition to the PPP-PML-N alliance.

Political tensions increased after the February 8 elections, which saw the two parties forming a coalition government in the Centre.

Calls for reconciliation have been growing from various societal and political quarters, urging the PTI to negotiate with the government.

The PTI had previously rejected talks with what it termed the "Form-47 government," instead showing a preference for dialogue with the military establishment.

In April, PTI's Shehryar Afridi indicated a preference for negotiations with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI).

Subsequently, PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub mentioned that Imran Khan had assigned significant responsibility to former President Dr Arif Alvi.

Last month, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar confirmed that Khan had approved discussions with the government.

Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Khan's sister Aleema Khan called for state institutions to remain neutral for the country's progress.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik also urged the PTI to come to the table for talks to resolve ongoing issues.

Shah concluded by stating that it is a positive sign if Khan acknowledges the need for political dialogue, which is crucial for the country's stability and progress.