PTI again seeking backchannel talks with establishment

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is once again seeking backchannel talks with the establishment, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reportedly playing a key role in the effort.

A well-placed source told The News that Gandapur is using his connections to revive the dialogue. However, PTI Information Secretary Waqas Akram Shaikh denied that any such initiative is underway.

Despite the denial, the source insisted that PTI is eager to restart the process and views Gandapur as the central figure who can make it happen. So far, there is no indication that the other side is willing to engage.

The military has maintained that it will not involve itself in political discussions and that it is up to political parties to resolve their issues through dialogue. A few days ago, Army Chief General Asim Munir, while dismissing reports of receiving a letter from PTI founder Imran Khan, stated that even if such a letter arrived, he would forward it to the prime minister rather than read it. His remarks came in response to media questions after Khan, imprisoned since August 2023 on multiple charges ranging from corruption to terrorism, wrote a third open letter to the army chief.

Recently, PTI leaders Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had met General Asim Munir, raising speculation about possible political discussions. However, government and security sources insisted it was an unscheduled meeting focused solely on security matters. Although Khan reportedly expressed excitement over what he saw as the initiation of PTI-establishment talks, Barrister Gohar remained cautious, telling the media that only security issues were discussed.

Subsequent reports by section of media suggested a follow-up meeting took place between PTI and other establishment figures, though sources told The News that no such meeting occurred. Instead, they claimed PTI leaders met with a federal minister.

While leaders like Gandapur are pushing for backchannel engagement, Khan continues to take an aggressive stance against the establishment. His three open letters are widely seen as provocative.

Meanwhile, a senior PTI leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, told this correspondent that the party’s foreign chapter is lobbying in Washington to pressure Pakistan into securing Khan’s release. He also warned that the European Union may take action against Pakistan over alleged human rights violations highlighted by the PTI.