Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and president of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to delay its planned civil disobedience movement. He stressed the need for dialogue with the government to address critical national issues.
Achakzai highlighted the importance of discussions to determine a clear timeline for the government’s resignation. He noted, “If dialogue can solve problems, that’s the best approach. If not, the movement must proceed.” He also suggested that successful talks should lead to elections within four months.
Achakzai is set to visit Peshawar tomorrow at PTI’s invitation. He will offer prayers for the martyrs of Kurram and PTI, showing solidarity.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar emphasized that PTI has clear demands, though it has not set preconditions for talks. He criticized the government’s response to previous protests and affirmed PTI’s readiness to negotiate, recalling founder Imran Khan’s past negotiation efforts. He acknowledged that past discussions were interrupted too soon.
Barrister Gohar stated, “Enough is enough. It’s time to improve the country.” If the government avoids serious talks, PTI plans to start a civil disobedience movement.
Read: Imran Khan Threatens Civil Disobedience Movement from Jail
The situation worsened when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticized the movement as “enmity with Pakistan.” Imran Khan previously indicated he might initiate a civil disobedience movement if his requests for a judicial inquiry into recent riots, action against PTI protesters, and the release of “political prisoners” go unmet.
Khan formed a five-member negotiation committee to address the release of political prisoners and set up a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, and a crackdown on November 26.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif challenged PTI to continue its civil disobedience movement after failed efforts to “attack” the capital. Meanwhile, attempts were made to foster “reconciliation. ” The former ruling party and the government reportedly agreed to use a parliamentary negotiation forum.
Despite these efforts, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah revealed that the government has not received a formal dialogue proposal from PTI. This contradicts statements from the opposition’s negotiation committee. Senior PTI leader Qaiser also confirmed that no discussions have started, dismissing rumours of ongoing talks.
