Dialogue with government: PTI says it will consider proposals made by Achakzai - Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In a stunning turnaround, the embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday said former prime minister and party founding president Imran Khan would consider any constructive proposal put forward by Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai through his dialogue with the government.

In February this year, PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan had said that Imran Khan had given directives to establish contact with all political parties except the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML -N), the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) – the three-party coalition that runs the government.

However, speaking to the press, Omar Ayub, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly and also PTI general secretary, along with PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan, retracted their earlier claims that the PTI would only speak to “empowered” stakeholders and not the “toothless ruling coalition.”

The duo said that “regarding a controversy in the media that PTI is set to start negotiations with three political parties which are mandate usurpers, Imran clearly told us that there is no situation like this one.”

Hasan also asked the Supreme Court of Pakistan to take note of former Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair’s interview, in which he claimed that former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa (retd.) , had derailed the government led by Imran Khan. In an interview with a local TV channel, Zubair, who parted ways with the PML-N, claimed that Nawaz Sharif and General Qamar Bajwa (retd) had even met several times in London.

Hasan noted that Zubair, in his interview, said that Bajwa had conspired to overthrow the PTI government and Zubair’s claims should not be taken lightly and the apex court should take note.

“A gang of criminals was imposed on the country by overthrowing the Imran Khan-led regime,” he said, urging the SC to take suo motu Zubair’s interview.

He also criticized Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s statement, calling it irresponsible and aimed at creating chaos. Ahsan Iqbal had demanded that PTI founder Imran Khan be kept in jail for at least five years for the stability of the country.

The PTI spokesperson also mentioned that friendly countries are advising Pakistan to maintain political stability, while some elements are trying to create unrest.

Hasan also condemned the actions of the Punjab government, saying it is a form of fascism never seen before in Pakistan. He asked the Supreme Court to take cognizance of these issues and ensure that justice is done.