ISLAMABAD:
Hopes for a political thaw following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for talks with the opposition quickly dissipated, with the dialogue process remaining stalled due to mutual recriminations and an absence of any official steps.
The opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), responded in a conciliatory tone, accepting the prime minister’s call for engagement and calling for the formulation of a new national charter to steer the country out of its overlapping crises.
However, three days later, the initiative appears to have stalled, with no tangible progress reported from either side.
TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousufzai categorically denied that any contacts had been made by the government. Speaking to The Express PK Press Club on Saturday, he said that despite public statements signaling an openness to negotiations, no formal approach had been initiated.
“We are in opposition and cannot take the first step. It is the government’s responsibility to formally initiate dialogue,” Yousufzai said.
Responding to questions regarding internal Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) factions opposing the talks, Yousufzai dismissed the concern, saying Imran Khan clearly authorized Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas to lead the dialogue process.
“We don’t care about anything else. Aleema Khan has been taken into confidence, and the family and all stakeholders concerned are in full agreement,” he added.
The government maintains, however, that it is up to the opposition to initiate dialogue. Speaking separately to The Express PK Press Club, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry criticized the opposition’s stand, accusing the PTI leadership of lack of seriousness.
The deputy minister said the doors of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq remain open if the opposition wants to open a channel of communication.
Yousufzai rejected claims that the issue was within the speaker’s domain, pointing out that previous attempts through the negotiating bodies had failed. He stressed that the issue could not be resolved at this level, nor only by the Prime Minister.
“Even when Mahmood Achakzai talks about dialogue, he is speaking to Nawaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif should act like a statesman and take responsibility,” he said.
While expressing hope that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would play his role, Yousufzai noted that such a decision would come with the consent of his brother. He also said TTAP expects Rana Sanaullah to contribute to the process, citing his recent indication of willingness during a private television appearance.
The TTAP spokesperson further dismissed reports of indirect contacts, reiterating that no such engagement exists.
“This is the domain of Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Mahmood Khan Achakzai. If contact is made, they will take care of it and decide our course of action,” he said.
The Minister of State for Home, however, put the ball in the PTI’s court.
“So far, PTI political leaders have not come forward. They do not believe in dialogue. They want a situation like Sri Lanka or Bangladesh to emerge in Pakistan, but we will not allow their dream to come true,” he insisted.
He also questioned the effectiveness of TTAP, saying, “Let’s see how long Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen Pakistan lasts, because nothing happens until their ‘sister’ herself comes forward.” As for TTAP, poor Mahmood Achakzai is just running around trying to save his dignity.
Reiterating the government’s stated position, the minister said the administration remained open to engagement.
“We are ready for dialogue. We are absolutely ready to talk about issues of national importance and national interest. The doors of Sadiq Sahib’s chamber are open; we are fully prepared,” he said, adding that any discussion should focus on national issues rather than personal matters.
Some observers say meaningful engagement remains necessary as the country continues to face political uncertainty as well as economic and governance challenges.
Talks between the government and the opposition, particularly the PTI, have remained in focus since last year, but progress has proven elusive.
Given the divergence of interests on both sides, the prospects for significant progress seem remote. Nonetheless, some elements within both camps continue to advocate at least some level of engagement to cool the political temperature.
