Imran Khan Agrees to Talks with Government, Prefers Off-Camera Dialogue

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has agreed to initiate dialogue with the government, responding to a recent offer by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif aimed at political reconciliation.

According to media reports, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan met Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on Monday and received the go-ahead to engage in negotiations. However, Khan has insisted that any talks take place away from media spotlight to ensure substantive and constructive outcomes.

PTI sources confirm the party will now formally approach the government to move forward with the dialogue process. Citing the failure of previous negotiations due to excessive media coverage, PTI leaders are calling for a low-profile and focused exchange this time.

Barrister Gohar confirmed he had communicated the prime minister’s invitation to Khan but declined to share details of their conversation. “I can’t disclose what was discussed between us,” he said.

The development follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent address in the National Assembly, where he extended an invitation to PTI for national-level talks. Although Barrister Gohar had welcomed the initiative publicly, party insiders maintained that no real progress was possible without Imran Khan’s consent.

Sources further revealed that Khan believes the dialogue should be backed by the military establishment and has expressed willingness to meet a representative to facilitate the process.

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This political opening comes at a time of heightened calls for unity and reconciliation in the wake of regional tensions, particularly following recent escalations involving India. Whether these behind-the-scenes talks will bear fruit remains uncertain, but the move marks a significant shift in the political landscape.