Islamabad: According to informed sources, following indications from opposition parties regarding readiness for talks on national issues, the government has clearly conveyed to the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf that no discussions will be held on the February 8, 2024 general elections in any form of negotiations.
Sources said the government has adopted an unequivocal stance that demands such as rejecting the 2024 elections, forming a commission on last year’s polls, or transferring power to the opposition through negotiations will not be entertained.
According to the sources, all objections related to the electoral process will be addressed solely through election tribunals and courts, and decisions of these institutions will be accepted, even if they go against the ruling parties. This message has been conveyed to the senior leadership of PTI, which has in turn shared the same position with the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Aain Pakistan led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
Sources further said the government has also made it clear to PTI that reopening the issue of the 2024 elections would inevitably raise questions about the 2018 elections and other past general elections, which the government considers neither practically possible nor politically viable.
However, the sources added that the government has shown willingness to engage in talks on institutional and constitutional reforms, national political issues, strengthening parliament, rule of law, and broader democratic reforms. Discussions on political prisoners and other national-level matters may also be considered within the constitutional framework.
Regarding sensitive cases linked to the May 9 violence and attacks on military installations, the sources said these matters are not solely within the government’s authority, and any relief or resolution would require the involvement of stakeholders beyond the civilian government.
The sources noted that the stance of the military leadership on the May 9 incidents has already been made public and leaves no room for flexibility.
When PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was contacted, he confirmed receiving messages from the government but refrained from commenting on their details.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday once again offered talks to PTI, emphasizing that dialogue could only take place on legitimate demands, while warning that blackmail under the guise of negotiations would not be productive.
Leaders of Tehreek Tahaffuz Aain Pakistan responded cautiously but positively, announcing their readiness for talks on national issues and constitutional restoration, while PTI made it clear that it would not negotiate with the government.
Political analysts believe that although both sides are interested in reducing political tension, fundamental differences over the 2024 elections and accountability related to the May 9 incidents will determine whether these contacts move beyond the initial stage.
While PTI is currently not prepared for talks, extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures, and the most urgent need for dialogue lies with PTI itself to pave the way for the restoration of normal political activity.
Sources also warned that by January 7, more PTI members of parliament may face indictment by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court in the Sangjani rally case, which is expected to be decided swiftly. It is also known that on November 4, Imran Khan had authorized Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir, but no meaningful progress on negotiations has been made so far.
Sources said the future course of any movement, whether on the streets or otherwise, remains unclear, and any progress will require direct and sincere engagement between both sides.
