‘Nawaz might be open for negotiations with Imran’

• Govt, establishment recognise PTI’s importance as a popular party.
• Although latter favours talks, PM Shehbaz’s govt remains cautious.
  
• Both sides open to dialogue despite ongoing verbal spat, say sources.

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ISLAMABAD: Amid prospective talks between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), it has come to light that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif might be open to negotiating with arch-political rival and PTI founder Imran Khan.

Although no formal talks have begun yet despite statements in favour of holding a dialogue, sources within the PTI and the government suggest that all sides recognise the need for dialogue.

There is a shared understanding that sitting together is necessary to resolve the political uncertainty and tensions in the country.

Significant progress has been reported behind the scenes with the government, the PTI and the establishment all expressing readiness for dialogue.

Nawaz, who holds considerable influence and whose approval will be key to any progress in the prospective talks, had previously rejected the possibility of dialogue with the PTI along with his daughter and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz with both labelling the former ruling party as a disruptive entity.

However, a senior PML-N leader has confirmed that Nawaz might be willing to negotiate with Khan.

Currently, the PTI accuses the government of not being serious about negotiations, while the government maintains that talks cannot proceed under the threat of civil disobedience or deadlines.

At the moment, there are no visible signs that negotiations between the government and PTI will begin soon. However, sources claim that despite the ongoing verbal sparring, both the government and PTI are open to dialogue.

They added that before November 26, discussions between the PTI and certain circles were proceeding positively. It was conveyed to the PTI that stepping back from the decision to march to Islamabad’s D-Chowk could lead to relief for the party.

However, events on the night of November 26 and subsequent allegations from both sides created a hostile environment for talks.

Despite these events, there was a consensus among all parties that maintaining the status quo is unsustainable, and reducing political tensions through dialogue was essential.

The PTI founder has already formed a committee for holding talks with the government which reflects the party’s realisation that the current policy of confrontation could not be continued indefinitely.

Similarly, the government and the establishment recognise that the PTI remains a popular party, and it cannot be eliminated via a constant conflict with it.

The government understands the importance of Khan’s involvement in any reconciliation with the PTI, as decisions within the party are largely driven by him, with significant input from Khan’s wife and former first lady Bushra Bibi. Without their participation, negotiations are unlikely to yield results.

The establishment is also in favour of talks, but the government remains cautious, fearing that the incarcerated former prime minister could still pose a threat to the system and key officials even after negotiations.

To ensure success, it is believed that PTI, especially Khan, must agree to not destabilise the system for the next two to three years. In return, the option of early elections could be considered.

Both sides will have to compromise, the PTI must recognise the government’s mandate and abandon its immediate demand for elections, while the government must step back from efforts to exclude Khan from politics or dismantle the former ruling party.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq recently offered to mediate between the government and the opposition, stating that his office and home are always available for this purpose.

Following the speaker’s statement, sources told Geo News on Thursday that a parliamentary committee was likely to be formed this week to initiate formal negotiations.

The parliamentary committee will be entrusted with full authority to deliberate on key negotiation points and make decisions regarding government-opposition discussions, the sources added.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s aide on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah has also hinted at “progress” in holding talks with the Khan-founded party.

“[National Assembly] speaker has contacted the prime minister […] I think there will be progress in this regard in a day or two,” he said while responding to a question regarding the formation of the government committee for talks with PTI on Geo News programme “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath”.

However, referring to Khan’s demands for the release of under-trial political prisoners a judicial probe into May 9 events and the November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters, Sanaullah said that every issue can be discussed, however, no guarantee can be given about which demand will be accepted and which will not.

“If they force us to accept these demands, then what is the need for talks?” he remarked.

The PML-N leader’s statement comes against the backdrop of the PTI founder’s warning that the party would launch a civil disobedience movement if their demand for the release of under-trial political prisoners and a judicial probe into May 9 events and Nov 26 crackdown on PTI protesters are not met by Sunday (December 22).