The federal government has initiated indirect communication with Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the head of the opposition alliance, as groundwork begins for formal negotiations to ease political tensions.
Sources confirmed that a federal minister conveyed a message to Achakzai through a mutual acquaintance. The message informed him that the government is consulting coalition partners before launching structured talks with the opposition.
Opposition sources said formal engagement will begin once those consultations conclude. A senior leader from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said the government’s outreach reflects seriousness about initiating dialogue.
تحریک تحفظ آئین پاکستان #سٹریٹ_موومنٹ_کی_تیاری_پکڑیں pic.twitter.com/CrQaBbDwXG
— Mehmood Khan Achakzai (@MKAchakzaiPKMAP) December 26, 2025Government officials also revealed that the Speaker of the National Assembly has remained in contact with Achakzai regarding the formal notification of the Leader of the Opposition. Sources added that Achakzai is expected to submit the required documents to the Speaker today, clearing the way for the official notification.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused PTI founder Imran Khan of seeking talks only with the establishment rather than pursuing genuine political dialogue.
Read: Imran Khan Nominates Achakzai NA Opposition Leader
Speaking on ARY News programme Khabar, Asif said he remained open to negotiations if PTI showed sincerity, despite his longstanding criticism of the party. He alleged that PTI follows a dual-track approach to talks and stressed that progress requires the party to clearly align with the state on national security and counter-terrorism issues.
The developing contacts suggest early momentum toward political engagement, though both sides continue to signal conditions before formal negotiations begin.
