K-P CM upbeat, but Khan doubts govt's intent

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ISLAMABAD:

Behind the cold walls of Adiala Jail, former prime minister Imran Khan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur held differing views on talks with the PML-N-led federal government. Khan expressed little hope for success while Gandapur anticipated that the government would approach Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf by Saturday.

Sources in PTI said Thursday that the former premier directed the K-P chief minister to wait for a response from the government till Saturday, saying that the party should proceed with its plan to begin a civil disobedience movement if no progress is made by then.

Amid skepticism and hope, the sources revealed a meeting between Gandapur and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on the Kurram incident was expected soon, adding political issues could also be discussed when they both met.

To a question, they cautiously said the meeting could be convened on Friday (today). Sources in the ruling PML-N also said a meeting was planned for Friday, but it could be readjusted to Saturday.

The conversation about talks between the ruling PML-N and the opposition PTI started after Khan formed a committee to negotiate with the government. However, the opportunity was soon embroiled in a dispute as leaders from both sides not only started chiding each other, but linked talks with certain conditions.

The contrasting views of the former premier and incumbent chief minister emerged after Khan's ultimatum to the government to fulfil his party's two demands; the first being to order a judicial inquiry into the May 9 and November 26 incidents, and the second was to release party workers, including himself.

Otherwise, the PTI founding chairman directed his party to move ahead with his call for civil disobedience through which the former ruling party would urge overseas Pakistanis to stop sending remittances back home. It would also urge citizens to stop paying utility bills to exert pressure on the government to concede to PTI's demands and begin talks.

During the discussion in jail, sources privy to the development shared that Khan and Gandapur, along with other party leaders, deliberated on the possible talks between PML-N and PTI, as well as the developments that have taken place so far. In a nutshell, sources said Khan kept expressing skepticism about the talks' success, but Gandapur remained optimistic.

Subsequently, they said, Khan told Gandapur and party leaders to see how the government reacts and if it tries to engage in talks at all.

Despite skepticism, they said Khan categorically conveyed to party leaders that he was in favour of talks but for that, the government should "show political will".

"Wait until Saturday, if the government side tries to convince PTI then move ahead," sources quoted the PTI founder as saying. "Otherwise, go for the civil disobedience call."

He reiterated that PTI would not enter negotiations when the government was busy mocking the proposal and portraying it as PTI 'begging' for talks.

Since Khan constituted the committee, there have been several developments on the political chessboard, including PTI leaders Asad Qaiser and Salman Akram Raja meeting National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. It was reported that both sides decided it was time to put their heads together.

The PML-N and PTI had agreed to open a formal communication channel to replace confrontation with constructive dialogue, urging committees of both parties to sit down, sort out thorny issues in Parliament, and bring much-needed political stability to the country.

However, before the committees could go behind closed doors to discuss a way forward, the PTI leadership started adjusting its position to give an impression that it wasn't begging for talks.

On the other hand, the PML-N leaders demanded that PTI first withdraw its call for civil disobedience and get a full mandate from Khan, beforehand, to hold meaningful talks so that an inconclusive outcome like last time is avoided.

Nevertheless, on Wednesday, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq offered to mediate the negotiations between the government and opposition to address ongoing political tensions, saying his office and home were available to facilitate discussions.

Political experts believe that it would be a win-win situation for the government if they successfully negotiate with PTI as it will then be able to focus on real issues for the remainder of its term.