PTI eyes fresh talks with govt sans Imran's consent

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has once again begun weighing the option of entering negotiations with the government — potentially even without the explicit consent of party founder Imran Khan, sources revealed on Wednesday.

According to insiders, the move is primarily aimed at securing Khan’s release and addressing a slew of pending legal cases against him.

Some PTI parliamentarians have proposed re-engaging with ruling coalition members, suggesting talks could proceed regardless of Khan’s approval, though the wider party consensus remains in favour of formal negotiations.

The matter is expected to surface during the upcoming National Assembly session, with the government’s side likely to include National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Rana Sanaullah, Naveed Qamar, and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier extended an offer of talks to the PTI.

A senior PTI leader, requesting anonymity, argued that political disputes could only be resolved through dialogue, warning that “resignations or boycotts will not solve the crisis.”

He further claimed that some within the party were not fully apprising Khan of ground realities, which he said was undermining reconciliation efforts.

Sources stressed that “serious negotiations with the government are crucial” not only for Khan’s release but also for tackling the party’s broader political challenges.