PMLN asks Achakzai for direct talks with PTI

ISLAMABAD: The PMLN is in contact with Mehmood Khan Achakzai for an indirect dialogue with the PTI. Sources said that Rana Sanaullah, senior PMLN leader and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, has been assigned by the N-leadership to talk to Achakzai.

The PMLN, however, is pressing for direct talks between the PTI and PMLN and its coalition partners. It is said that indirect talks would be a futile exercise.

The direct talks, the PMLN reportedly offered to PTI via Achakzai, could be held behind the scenes if the PTI leadership feels that its followers and voters would not approve the party talking to PMLN, PPP and MQM.

These sources said that Achakzai has been told to consult the PTI’s top leadership for direct talks for which Tehreek-e-Insaf should nominate a committee. The dialogue could be held behind the scenes. Achakzai, who is the chairman of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and head of the not-so active opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Aeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), was mandated by Imran Khan and the PTI to negotiate with the government – for the sake of ‘political stability’ in the country, to get back their ‘stolen’ mandate and secure the release of the party’s incarcerated activists.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had told the media a few months back that he, as well as other party leaders, had convinced the founding chairman of PTI that initiating a dialogue with the government was necessary following which Imran Khan had given the nod to move ahead.

It was, however, said that the PTI would not directly talk with PMLN, PPP and MQM -- the three leading coalition partners in the government. It was announced that Mehmood Khan Achakzai was authorised to talk to the government parties on behalf of the PTI.

After giving mandate to the PkMAP chairman to hold dialogue with the government parties, Imran Khan told media persons more than once that he would talk to the military establishment. The military establishment, however, showed no keenness to talk to Imran Khan or the PTI.

The DG ISPR, in a press conference, held weeks back had set the condition of public apology on the May 9 attacks for dialogue. The military spokesman had added that talks should be held between political parties.

As against Imran Khan, Mehmood Khan Achakzai is in favour of dialogue among political parties and is opposed to talking politics with the establishment.