Backchannel Talks Between Government and PTI at a Critical Juncture
ISLAMABAD: A high-level backchannel meeting was held between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). According to a reliable source, the discussion involved two senior figures from the government—a minister and an official. The PTI was represented by a prominent leader of the party.
The source revealed that the PTI must decide whether it will continue its politics of agitation or shift toward reconciliation. If the party persists with agitation, violence, and attacks on the military and its leadership, no progress will result from these talks. The source stressed that a path of reconciliation requires a clear policy shift and a break from PTI’s recent political strategies.
The PTI’s return to normal politics depends on ending its confrontational approach toward the military. Furthermore, any actions that harm the country’s economy would have to cease. A change in PTI’s direction is essential for building political space and gaining trust.
The source emphasized that the ultimate decision lies with Imran Khan. Khan reportedly understands the importance of these backchannel discussions. The success of these talks hinges on confidence-building measures (CBMs) from the PTI. A visible departure from its recent policies would allow the party to regain lost ground.
The source added that if PTI demonstrates these changes, it could experience a gradual yet sustainable improvement in its position. However, a continued confrontational stance will only lead to more challenges for the party.
Meanwhile, members of PTI’s second-tier leadership also acknowledge the need for moderation. They believe the party should curb hawkish elements within its ranks and focus on reconciliation. Discussions with several leaders indicate that many within the party recognize the benefits of negotiation over confrontation.
One leader highlighted the recent expulsion of singer Salman Ahmad from PTI as an example of addressing such elements. The hawks, the leader admitted, had steered the party into a confrontational political style. This approach, they said, has caused significant damage to both the party and its chairman.
In a related development, the military establishment has distanced itself from these backchannel efforts. A source close to the establishment clarified that the army is not involved in these contacts. The institution denied initiating or participating in any dialogue between the government and PTI.
