ISLAMABAD:
Hopes of a political thaw following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for talks with the opposition have quickly faded, as the dialogue process remains stalled amid mutual recriminations and an absence of any formal outreach.
The opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), responded with a conciliatory tone, accepting the prime minister’s call for engagement and urging the formulation of a new national charter to guide the country out of its overlapping crises.
However, three days later, the initiative appears stalled, with no tangible progress reported on either side.
TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousufzai categorically denied that any contact had been made by the government. Speaking to The Express Tribune on Saturday, he said that despite public statements signalling openness to negotiations, no formal approach had been initiated.
“We are in the opposition and cannot take the first step. It is the government’s responsibility to formally initiate dialogue,” Yousufzai said.
Addressing questions regarding internal Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) factions opposed to talks, Yousufzai dismissed the concern, stating that Imran Khan has clearly authorised Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas to lead the dialogue process.
“We do not care about anything else. Aleema Khan has been taken into confidence, and the family and all relevant stakeholders are fully on board,” he added.
The government, however, maintains that the responsibility to initiate engagement lies with the opposition. Speaking separately to The Express Tribune, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry criticised the opposition’s posture, accusing PTI’s leadership of lacking seriousness.
The deputy minister said the doors of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq remain open if the opposition wishes to open any channel of communication.
Yousufzai rejected claims that the matter falls within the speaker’s domain, pointing out that earlier attempts through negotiation bodies had failed. He stressed that the issue could not be resolved at that level, nor solely by the prime minister.
“Even when Mahmood Achakzai talks about dialogue, he directs it to Nawaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif should act like a statesman and take responsibility,” he said.
While expressing hope that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would play his role, Yousufzai remarked that any such move would come with his brother’s consent. He also said TTAP expects Rana Sanaullah to contribute to the process, citing his recent indication of willingness during a private television appearance.
The TTAP spokesperson further dismissed reports of any back-channel contacts, reiterating that no such engagement exists.
“This is the domain of Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Mahmood Khan Achakzai. If any contact is made, they will handle it and decide what our course of action should be,” he said.
The minister of state for interior, however, put the ball firmly in PTI’s court.
“So far, PTI’s political leadership has not stepped forward. They do not believe in dialogue. They want a situation like Sri Lanka or Bangladesh to emerge in Pakistan, but we will not allow their dream to come true,” he insisted.
He also questioned the effectiveness of TTAP, saying, “Let’s see how long the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen Pakistan lasts, because nothing happens until their ‘sister’ herself comes forward. As for TTAP, poor Mahmood Achakzai is just running around trying to save his dignity.”
Reiterating the government’s stated position, the minister said the administration remains open to engagement.
“We are ready for dialogue. We are absolutely willing to talk about issues of national importance and national interest. The doors of Sadiq Sahib’s chamber are open; we are fully prepared,” he said, adding that any discussions must focus on national issues rather than personal matters.
Some observers believe meaningful engagement remains necessary as the country continues to grapple with political uncertainty alongside economic and governance challenges.
Talks between the government and the opposition, particularly PTI, have remained in focus since last year, yet progress has proved elusive.
Given the divergence of interests on both sides, prospects for any substantive breakthrough appear remote. Nevertheless, certain elements within both camps continue to advocate at least some level of engagement to cool the political temperature.
