Two meetings held between govt, PTI for initiation of dialogue

ISLAMABAD: Two meetings have already been held between the government and PTI representatives to discuss the possibility of initiation of dialogue process.

After a recent contact was established between the two sides as reported by The News exclusively, these meetings were held. The purpose of these interactions is to talk about the possibility of initiation of a dialogue process. In case the two sides agree to enter into a dialogue process, this would be a major breakthrough.

If it happens in the next few days, it may lead to the calling off of PTI’s November 24th protest march. If those presently engaged in the pre-dialogue consultation process reach a point of agreement for the initiation of formal dialogue process, they will approach their respective topmost leaderships for final approval.

It means in the case of PTI, those involved in the present negotiations will get the approval from Imran Khan. In the case of government, the important person who is presently interacting with the PTI will get the approval of prime minister/establishment for initiation of dialogue between the two.

Most in the government, including the vast majority of cabinet ministers, are not aware of these interactions. Imran Khan is, however, in complete picture and even knows with whom his side is presently engaged with. It’s not confirmed who else in the PTI is aware of these developments.

It was learnt by The News that after the initial contact, two meetings have already been held between the two sides. One of these meetings was attended by only two persons -- one representative from each side. The second meeting was attended by three people. These contacts are high-level.

In case of a breakthrough, the dialogue process will start. However, there won’t be any direct talks between the PTI and establishment. Both sides even at this stage know that there will not be any such thing like accepting the PTI demands first and then holding the dialogue.

Politically, whatever the PTI says, the party’s founder chairman as well as those engaged in the present discussions with the government know that there is no such thing like immediate acceptance of PTI’s demands.

Sources said that in case the dialogue process starts, both the sides will come up with their respective demands, which will be put before those who in case of a breakthrough will be formally engaged to hold the dialogue.

This correspondent has the names of all the three persons presently engaged in these pre-dialogue negotiations. The source, who shares the information with The News, has set the condition that names of those presently interacting from both sides will not be published or made public.

Those from PTI who are denying The News story -- “High-level contact established between PTI, govt” -- published on Tuesday need to know from their leaders -- Chief Minister KP Ali Amin Gandapur and Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Ali Khan -- who arranged their unscheduled meeting with Imran Khan for over two hours on Tuesday.

On Wednesday again, these two PTI key leaders met Imran Khan to discuss the progress made so far in the pre-dialogue talks with the government.