Weekly meetings ongoing, legal efforts for Khan’s release continue
PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced on Wednesday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is willing to engage in political dialogue, according to Express News.
“Those turning this into a matter of ego are only harming the country,” Gandapur told reporters in Peshawar. “We must rise above personal agendas and prioritize the national interest. Imran Khan has expressed his readiness to enter negotiations for the sake of Pakistan.”
Gandapur also spoke about ongoing legal efforts to secure Khan’s release. “Petitions are currently being processed to facilitate his release,” he said. “As the chief executive of the province, I have court permission to meet him once a week. These meetings are essential, particularly with the provincial budget discussions underway.”
He emphasized Khan’s central role in shaping the province’s governance. “Imran Khan leads the party that governs Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. His vision is crucial to our policy-making. If I’m not allowed to consult him, how can we implement that vision effectively?”
The chief minister also criticized the current federal government, holding it responsible for the prevailing instability. “Pakistan is going through a difficult period of political and economic uncertainty, and the blame lies squarely with those in power,” he said.
Stalled Negotiations
Talks between the government and opposition began in December 2024 to address the country’s deepening political and economic challenges. However, progress was short-lived, and the dialogue stalled after just three rounds.
In the third round, PTI presented a charter of demands and described it as a necessary step before broader negotiations could proceed. The dialogue was abruptly halted a week later, when Khan accused the government of failing to establish a judicial commission—a key PTI demand.
Shortly after Khan’s statement, PTI leader Barrister Gohar appeared to soften the stance, saying the talks were only paused, not abandoned.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later extended an invitation to PTI to resume discussions through a parliamentary committee. However, Khan, who remains imprisoned, rejected the offer. He subsequently dissolved PTI’s negotiation committee and instructed its members to form a coordination committee aimed at forging a broader opposition alliance.
