Recent meetings have taken place between government officials and representatives of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), focusing on the possibility of initiating a negotiation process. These talks were sparked by an earlier contact between both sides. The aim is to discuss whether a formal negotiation process could begin.
If an agreement is made in the coming days, it could result in PTI calling off its planned protest march on November 24. However, before any formal dialogue begins, those involved in the discussions will need to get approval from their top leaderships.
For PTI, this means Imran Khan will need to approve the discussions. On the government’s side, the individuals engaged in the talks must get the green light from either the Prime Minister or key figures in the establishment.
It appears that most government officials, including cabinet ministers, are unaware of these talks. However, Imran Khan is fully aware of who is representing PTI in the negotiations. It’s not clear who else in PTI is informed about these talks.
So far, two meetings have taken place. One was a one-on-one meeting with one representative from each side. The second meeting included three people. These meetings are being handled at the highest levels of both sides.
If there is a breakthrough, a formal negotiation process may begin. However, both sides agree that no PTI demands will be met before the dialogue starts. The discussions are not about agreeing to PTI’s terms right away, but instead, about starting the talks themselves.
When the talks officially begin, both sides will present their demands, which will be discussed in further meetings if the talks proceed.
On Wednesday, the PTI representatives met with Imran Khan to brief him on the latest developments in these negotiation talks with the government.