Backchannel communications have raised the possibility of a dialogue between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as a majority of PTI parliamentarians, including some recently convicted members, reportedly favor initiating formal talks. According to sources, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq is playing a significant role in facilitating this process by establishing contact with both sides. On the government’s end, some figures like PML-N’s Rana Sanaullah are reportedly open to engaging with PTI leaders, despite the party’s founder, Imran Khan, remaining hesitant to speak with government representatives. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also made repeated offers for dialogue.
Notably, most PTI lawmakers are now actively pushing for negotiations. Sources indicate that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has been given the responsibility of creating a path for meaningful talks. However, concerns persist that Imran Khan might obstruct the process again. To counter this, PTI parliamentarians are considering meeting the jailed leader in groups to persuade him to reconsider his stance. One PTI parliamentarian alleged that certain unelected individuals with access to Khan are misleading him. There is a fear that these advisors could encourage Khan to pursue a policy of en masse resignations from the National Assembly, a move which the source believes “must be prevented.”
Divisions have also emerged over Khan’s decision not to contest upcoming by-elections for seats vacated due to the conviction or disqualification of PTI members. Some lawmakers, whose families have a long history of contesting elections, argue that boycotting these polls would cede their constituencies to political rivals. The pro-dialogue faction within the PTI is also looking to senior leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi for leadership. Having been acquitted in three May 9-related cases and with expectations of securing bail in others within a few months, Qureshi is seen as an experienced politician capable of guiding the party toward engagement. Sources suggest that the Speaker’s latest offer to mediate talks stems from several days of discreet discussions with both camps, as a growing number of PTI leaders now believe that confrontation has been counterproductive and has worsened their political situation.
