Winds of change appear to be blowing in the political landscape, with recent developments suggesting that prolonged tension between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and key stakeholders may be giving way to cautious compromise, according to sources familiar with the matter. With some recent confidence-building measures, the PML-N-led coalition government can establish contact with jailed PTI leader Imran Khan through Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, a key aide to the prime minister revealed to The Express PAkGazette on Wednesday. The move comes on the heels of a major development on Tuesday in which KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was appointed head of a new panel to oversee development work and counter-terrorism operations in the province, a move widely seen as a sign of improving coordination after years of stark differences over security policy. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting at the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar, which was attended by the KP Chief Minister, Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the National Security Adviser, who happens to be the DG ISI, the Corps Commander in Peshawar, members of the provincial cabinet and senior officials. The development comes after months of disputes between the province and the Center over counter-terrorism measures, including Operation Tirah in Khyber district, which exposed differences over security strategy. Last week, the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of KP met to settle differences, emphasizing the need for close cooperation between the federal and provincial governments for the development and well-being of the people of KP. Security sources described Tuesday’s meeting in Peshawar as "positive sign" and said this would bode well for developing consensus on key national security issues. Sources familiar with internal discussions indicate that after the ice-breaking meeting in Peshawar, a softer approach towards KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is being considered, reflecting broader efforts to reduce political tensions ahead of key meetings. Similarly, the Supreme Court’s move allowing Salman Safdar to have an extended meeting with Imran Khan on Tuesday in Adiala Jail is seen as a subtle signal, showing a softening of approach towards the PTI. Ikhtiar Wali Khan, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for KP Affairs, confirmed that the situation in KP will improve as all stakeholders are now aligned. He outlined the immediate political calendar and said that two important meetings are expected: one with Imran Khan and another with the prime minister, both of which will involve Mehmood Khan Achakzai. A meeting between Achakzai and the prime minister is expected on Thursday. "If it doesn’t happen then, it will take place next week before Ramadan. Ikhtiar Wali Khan added a political twist, saying that after this meeting, Imran Khan’s countdown of Achakzai will begin."
Explaining further, he said that Imran Khan prefers "bad boys" and it doesn’t work well with conformal figures. So if the ‘bad guys’ start becoming ‘good guys’, how would you like that?" asked. At this point, for Imran Khan, Sohail Afridi’s example has become similar to what Ali Amin Gandapur once was. After meeting the prime minister, Achakzai could become Umar Ayub, suggesting that Imran Khan may no longer want him to operate as a top opposition leader. Talking about lowering the political temperature in the country, Wali said dialogue will happen soon and will be directly with the government, without the involvement of power brokers or middlemen. Meanwhile, the PTI has also shown a soft attitude towards the authorities. According to Junaid Akbar, president of PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter, the party has constantly sought to maintain smooth relations with state institutions.
"We want the provincial government and the institutions to remain on the same page, tolerate each other and recognize their constitutional positions," he told The Express PAkGazette, emphasizing that it was essential to restore confidence and peace in the province. Akbar emphasized that any strategy jointly designed by institutions and the government would be more effective. "Otherwise, whatever government comes to power, if the establishment does not support it, it will not succeed and vice versa." he added. He also noted that the first cabinet meeting after the formation of the KP government was held at the Corps Commander’s House, a symbolic gesture reflecting the desire to build trust and coordination from day one. Akbar said the process of political engagement is slow. "So far, we haven’t seen any real progress. Political figures still do not have access to Imran Khan," said. He added that Salman Safdar’s meeting took place only on the orders of the Supreme Court and information about Imran Khan’s health has not been shared with political actors, as per rules. "If you are granted access, the situation will improve. The harsher the attitude adopted, the more hatred will grow and no one will gain anything." said. He noted that opposition leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai was due to meet the Prime Minister on Friday, but the meeting was postponed due to foreign guests. "If you come to a meeting tomorrow or soon, you will be welcome. We want political forces to get closer to each other," said. Both he and Junaid Akbar stressed the importance of direct communication and cooperation between provincial, federal and institutional actors, a change in tone that analysts see as a possible sign of reducing tensions after months of friction.
