PTI Reaffirms Dialogue Offer Amid Long March and Political Tensions

ISLAMABAD: (Mudassar Iqbal) – The opposition has decided to initiate contact with the federal government, with Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai expected to respond to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s letter proposing a meeting.

According to opposition sources, the reply will propose holding the meeting in Parliament’s Constitutional Room or at another location in Islamabad mutually agreed upon by both sides.

The opposition has ruled out meeting at the Prime Minister’s House. Mahmood Khan Achakzai said the opposition did not recognise Shehbaz Sharif as the constitutional prime minister and would therefore not hold talks at his residence or office.

The development comes amid continuing political tensions over the proposed long march and other contentious issues between the government and opposition.

During a meeting, opposition parties also reviewed preparations for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march and discussed reports about the possible imposition of Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

After the meeting, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan condemned the detention of former prime minister and party founder Imran Khan’s sisters, as well as the arrests of opposition members of the National Assembly and provincial assemblies.

Gohar said the opposition had consistently stood with Pakistan and the state but alleged that its political voice had repeatedly been suppressed. He also rejected descriptions of opposition members as a gang or agents of chaos.

He maintained that a strong federation depended on provincial autonomy and warned that ignoring the will of the people could undermine national unity.

Gohar said the opposition would raise these concerns with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) as well.

He further claimed that the opposition had approached the Supreme Court but that its order had not been implemented. Despite its differences with the government, he reiterated that the opposition remained willing to engage in dialogue.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said political disputes should be resolved through negotiations rather than the use of force.

Highlighting the challenges facing Pakistan, he referred to the law and order situation, economic difficulties and concerns regarding the judiciary and the broader system.

Raja Nasir Abbas said the opposition would proceed with a peaceful long march despite roadblocks and other obstacles.

He also called for free and fair elections, stressing that Parliament should serve as a platform where elected representatives could raise public concerns.

Emphasising the importance of national interests, he urged all political sides to resolve their differences through dialogue.