ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has categorically turned down Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s renewed proposal for negotiations, describing the government’s outreach as a sign of political desperation rather than a genuine attempt at resolving Pakistan’s deepening political crisis.
Responding to the prime minister’s remarks, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the ruling coalition was engaging in what he termed a misleading “double strategy,” using the language of dialogue while simultaneously imposing conditions that undermine meaningful talks. He argued that attaching prerequisites reflects what PTI views as confusion and a lack of political direction within the government.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, while addressing a federal cabinet meeting, reiterated that he remained open to discussions with the opposition, including PTI, but made it clear that negotiations would only proceed on what he described as “legitimate issues.” He also cautioned that pressure tactics or political blackmail would not be tolerated, recalling that similar offers for talks had previously been extended both privately and on the floor of the National Assembly.
PTI, however, rejected this framework outright. Akram stated that dialogue cannot occur under imposed terms and that demands such as seeking apologies from the former ruling party further erode trust. According to him, the offer lacks sincerity and does not represent a credible path toward political reconciliation. He emphasized that PTI would not engage in talks with the current government under any circumstances.
The party instead suggested that if the authorities are serious about addressing the constitutional and political impasse, they should engage with the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), an opposition alliance advocating constitutional supremacy. Akram pointed to figures such as Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas as potential interlocutors for broader political dialogue.
At a recent opposition conference, Achakzai warned that constitutional governance had been severely undermined and urged senior political leaders, including Nawaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, to play a role in steering the country toward stability through dialogue. However, PTI founder Imran Khan publicly distanced himself from this approach, calling instead for a nationwide protest movement and urging supporters to mobilize for their rights.
Akram later clarified that while alliance partners may pursue independent initiatives, PTI leadership is bound by directives issued by Imran Khan. He confirmed that the party’s focus has now shifted toward street agitation, with instructions issued to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to prepare for protests centered on the rule of law and constitutional supremacy.
Despite PTI’s firm stance, the opposition alliance continues to advocate engagement. A recent TTAP meeting reaffirmed the group’s readiness to negotiate on issues such as transparent elections, a consensus appointment of the chief election commissioner, parliamentary empowerment, and the protection of human rights. Alliance leaders stressed that a new national charter is essential to restore public confidence and address the country’s political, economic, and governance challenges.
