ISLAMABAD: Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), chosen by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to lead negotiations, has shown willingness to engage in discussions with Nawaz Sharif, President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and President of Pakistan.
Earlier this week, the former ruling party designated Achakzai to spearhead the negotiations through the opposition alliance platform Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen (TTAP).
Achakzai stated, “Pakistan needs a strong army,” emphasizing that his movement does not oppose the military. “We advocate for the supremacy of democracy and the Constitution,” he asserted.
Achakzai cautioned, “If Zardari and Nawaz Sharif do not join us, a time will come when they will not be able to step out of their homes.” He highlighted the public’s growing frustration over the rising cost of living, noting, “People are angry. They are struggling to make ends meet.”
With full authority from PTI, Achakzai will lead the discussions with the government, focusing on the release of incarcerated leaders and workers, electoral transparency, and the constitutional boundaries of the judiciary, parliament, and other state institutions. PTI’s political leadership will also participate in the negotiations, according to sources.
PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told the media this week that the former prime minister is open to dialogue for the sake of reconciliation. “The PTI founder has repeatedly stated, ‘I am ready to forgive what happened to me,'” said the PTI chairman.
When asked if the negotiations will follow the Supreme Court’s advice, Barrister Gohar responded, “The option given by the SC is also under consideration,” but emphasized that it was PTI’s “own decision” to negotiate. “PTI founder did not write any letter to the SC for negotiation. PTI will also respond to its negotiation option.”
These comments came days after Khan decided to soften his stance, instructing his party leaders to engage with political entities both inside and outside the Parliament to alleviate the ongoing political tension, according to sources.
The party leadership was directed to hold talks with various political parties outside the Parliament, while its lawmakers were asked to strengthen relations with parties in the ruling coalition government.
