Junaid Akbar, President of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has criticized the perception that the opposition party’s willingness to engage in talks with the government is a sign of weakness. Speaking on Tuesday, Akbar warned that PTI may resort to agitation against the current government.
His comments came shortly after PTI skipped the fourth round of scheduled talks with the ruling coalition. The government’s alliance stated that the dialogue with PTI was “effectively over” following their absence from the important meeting.
The PTI and the PML-N-led government had begun negotiations in December to ease the country’s political tensions. However, after weeks of discussion, the process stalled when PTI pulled out, citing the government’s failure to form judicial commissions to investigate the May 9, 2023, violent protests and the crackdown on PTI demonstrators in Islamabad on November 26.
During an appearance on private channel, Akbar, who recently assumed the role of Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), expressed skepticism about the success of future negotiations. He also suggested that PTI might escalate the political situation by shifting to “agitation mode.”
When asked if his new position signaled the end of talks with the government and a focus on resolving issues on the streets, Akbar responded affirmatively, saying: “Yes, definitely.”
He also announced that PTI’s “homeopathic leadership” would be sidelined after a major reorganization of the party set for May. Akbar hinted at a significant shakeup in the party’s structure, with “hardliners” being appointed to key roles.
He also indicated that changes would be made to the provincial cabinet in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with two new members expected to join.
Looking ahead, Akbar revealed PTI’s plans to protest at the district level on February 8, accusing the government of rigging last year’s general elections. Additionally, a demonstration at Islamabad’s D-Chowk is being considered. However, he made it clear that PTI would not engage in dialogue with anyone while taking to the streets.
On the topic of alleged political victimization and conspiracies by the federal government, Akbar claimed there were efforts to form a breakaway faction within PTI. “We also know who is in contact with whom,” he added, suggesting attempts to sway PTI supporters had failed.
Akbar also predicted that PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, would be released this year. Khan, the former prime minister, has been imprisoned since August 2023 after being sentenced in the Toshakhana case, one of the many cases filed against him since his ousting from power in April 2022.
