ISLAMABAD:
Hopes of a political thaw following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for talks with the opposition have quickly faded, as the dialogue process remains stalled amid mutual recriminations and the absence of any formal rapprochement.
The opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), responded with a conciliatory tone, accepting the prime minister’s call for participation and urging the formulation of a new national charter to guide the country out of its overlapping crises.
However, three days later, the initiative appears stalled, with neither side reporting tangible progress.
TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousufzai categorically denied that the government had made any contact. Speaking to the Express PAkGazette on Saturday, he said that despite public statements indicating openness to negotiations, no formal approach had been initiated.
“We are in the opposition and we cannot take the first step. It is the responsibility of the government to formally start the dialogue,” Yousufzai said.
Answering questions about internal Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) factions opposing the talks, Yousufzai dismissed the concern and stated that Imran Khan has 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 trusted, and the family and all relevant stakeholders are fully on board,” he added.
The government, however, maintains that the responsibility for initiating the compromise lies with the opposition. Speaking separately to The Express PAkGazette, Minister of State for Home Affairs Talal Chaudhry criticized the opposition’s stance, accusing the PTI leadership of lacking seriousness.
The deputy minister said that the doors of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ayaz Sadiq, remain open if the opposition wishes to open any channel of communication.
Yousufzai rejected claims that the matter falls within the speaker’s purview, noting that previous attempts through negotiating bodies had failed. He stressed that the issue could not be resolved at that level, nor by the prime minister alone.
“Even when Mahmood Achakzai talks about dialogue, he directs it 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 any such move would have his brother’s consent. He also said TTAP hopes Rana Sanaullah will contribute to the process, citing his recent indication of willingness during a private television appearance.
The TTAP spokesperson further dismissed reports of any contact on back channels and reiterated that there is no such engagement.
“This is the domain of Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Mahmood Khan Achakzai. If any contact is made, they will handle it and decide what our course of action should be,” he said.
The Minister of State for Home Affairs, however, put the ball firmly in the PTI’s court.
“So far, the political leadership of the PTI has not taken a step 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 the TTAP and said, “Let’s see how long the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen Pakistan lasts, because nothing happens until its ‘sister’ itself comes forward. As for the TTAP, poor Mahmood Achakzai is just running around trying to save his dignity.”
Reiterating the government’s stated position, the minister said the administration remains open to compromise.
“We are ready for dialogue. We are absolutely ready to talk on issues of national importance and 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 and not personal matters.
Some observers believe that significant engagement remains necessary as the country continues to grapple with political uncertainty along with economic and governance challenges.
Talks between the government and the opposition, particularly the PTI, have remained in the spotlight since last year, but progress has proven elusive.
Given the divergence of interests on both sides, the prospects for any substantial progress appear remote. However, certain elements within both camps continue to advocate for at least some level of compromise to cool the political temperature.
