Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has given the green light for dialogue with the federal government — a move that could open the door for long-awaited political reconciliation in the country.
According to reliable sources, Khan communicated his consent for talks to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan during a recent meeting at Adiala Jail, where the former prime minister is currently incarcerated. However, Khan stated that any negotiations must take place away from media spotlight to ensure genuine and productive discussions.
The development comes after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a recent address in the National Assembly, extended a public invitation to PTI for national dialogue. While Barrister Gohar had welcomed the proposal at the time, party insiders maintained that no talks could proceed without Khan’s personal approval — which has now been granted.
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“This is a major shift in PTI’s strategy,” said a senior party official. “Imran Khan believes past negotiation attempts failed due to excessive media exposure. This time, we want substance, not soundbites.”
Barrister Gohar confirmed the local media outlet about conveying the prime minister’s offer to Khan but declined to disclose the details of their conversation. “I can’t share what was discussed between us,” he stated.
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Establishment’s role may be key
Sources within PTI also revealed that Khan wants any potential dialogue to be backed by Pakistan’s military establishment. In fact, one insider disclosed that Khan is even willing to meet with a representative of the establishment to help facilitate the process.
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“He understands that no meaningful progress can be made without institutional support,” said a party member close to the leadership.
This political move comes at a time when Pakistan is walking a tightrope of increased tensions with India in the wake of the recent Pahalgam attack and the Pakistani military’s response Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. With security and national cohesion being the priority, the timing of this overture adds an additional layer of urgency to political talks.
