PTI open to talks as long march presses on

Afridi vows no retreat on tribal areas stance without Imran Khan's nod

PESHAWAR:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership has decided to keep the long march going while simultaneously keeping the door for negotiations with the federal government open, sources said after a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister's House on Saturday.

The meeting, chaired by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi, was attended by Acting Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Provincial President Junaid Akbar Khan, Parliamentary Leader Shahid Khattak and Provincial Minister Shafi Jan. Participants reviewed the national political situation, the ongoing phased long march and other pressing matters.

According to sources, the leadership examined the possibility of the federal government imposing Governor's Rule or an emergency in the province and termed any such step unconstitutional. The meeting reaffirmed the party's willingness to engage in talks with the government while continuing the long march. Sources said that if meaningful negotiations materialise, the march will pause at Swabi.

Chief Minister Afridi made it clear to the senior leadership that the party would not abandon its position on the security operation in the tribal districts without consulting incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan. He maintained that military or security operations alone are not the solution to terrorism in the tribal areas.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said PTI desires negotiations but currently sees little prospect of them. "The long march will continue, yet we remain ready for talks," he stated. "The government does not appear serious about dialogue. We want the issues resolved through negotiations."

Gohar warned that the imposition of Governor's Rule or an emergency would constitute a violation of the public mandate. He said the federal government appeared not to have fully assessed the possible public reaction to such a move. "Our demands are clear and contain nothing unconstitutional or illegal," he added.

The long march has already begun. Party workers are scheduled to reach Swabi on Sunday. Chief Minister Afridi is expected to announce the next phase of the plan of action on 13 October. Gohar urged the federal government to come to the negotiating table before that date.

The dual-track strategy, pressing ahead with public mobilisation while leaving space for dialogue, reflects PTI's attempt to maintain pressure on the centre without closing off a political settlement. Party leaders insist their core demands remain focused on what they describe as constitutional and legal issues, including the situation in the tribal districts and broader political grievances.

As the march moves toward Swabi, attention will now turn to whether the federal government responds with an invitation for talks or continues its current posture. PTI has signalled that any decision to soften its stance on the tribal areas will require Imran Khan's explicit input, underscoring the former prime minister's continuing influence over party strategy despite his imprisonment.

The coming days, particularly the announcement expected on 13 October, are likely to clarify whether the long march escalates further or pauses in favour of negotiations.