Imran Khan Rejects Dialogue, Opts for Street Mobilisation Amid Renewed Backchannel Efforts

This marks the second major collapse of potential dialogue in recent months.

By DTD- On May 29, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Hopes for a fresh round of political dialogue between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the federal government appear to have stalled once again, as PTI founder Imran Khan has chosen mass mobilisation over negotiations, despite apparent encouragement from influential quarters.

According to credible sources, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Ameen Gandapur recently informed PTI leaders that signals from the “right quarters” — widely interpreted as the military establishment — indicated a willingness to facilitate talks with the federal government. However, when the message was relayed to the incarcerated Khan, he reportedly declined the offer, instructing party leadership to gear up for street agitation instead.

This marks the second major collapse of potential dialogue in recent months. A similar effort failed last November when a PTI rally, allegedly influenced by former First Lady Bushra Bibi, pushed beyond agreed limits into Islamabad’s sensitive D-Chowk area, souring prospects for negotiation.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended a rare public invitation for dialogue on the floor of the National Assembly, following PTI’s show of unity with the government and armed forces during recent border tensions with India. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar had reportedly conveyed Khan’s initial approval to engage, but Khan reversed his stance days later, insisting that any talks must be held directly with the establishment — a demand that remains off the table.

Insiders say Khan believes public pressure, not dialogue, will pave the way for a political breakthrough. However, with legal challenges mounting — including the looming verdicts in the May 9 cases and a second Toshakhana reference — several party leaders fear this strategy could squander a critical opportunity for political and legal relief.

Interestingly, attention has now turned toward a visiting delegation of US-based Pakistani doctors, amid speculation that informal backchannel efforts may be routed through them to revive stalled negotiations.

Despite the impasse, some in PTI remain cautiously optimistic that dialogue is still the only viable path forward. Yet with Khan once again prioritising agitation over compromise, the political stalemate appears set to continue.