The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is reaching out to Mahmood Khan Achakzai for direct talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Sources indicate that senior PML-N leader and Prime Minister’s adviser on political affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has been tasked with communicating with Achakzai. However, the PML-N insists that negotiations with PTI and its allied parties be conducted directly, believing that indirect talks would be a futile exercise.
If PTI believes that its supporters and voters will not back negotiations with PML-N, PPP, and MQM, PML-N is reportedly offering PTI a chance for direct but behind-the-scenes discussions through Achakzai.
The sources suggest that Achakzai has been asked to consult with PTI’s top leadership for direct negotiations, and PTI should appoint a committee for behind-the-scenes talks.
Mahmood Achakzai, chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) and leader of the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Awami Pakistan (TTAP), was given a mandate by Imran Khan and PTI to negotiate with the government to bring “political stability” to the country, restore the party’s “stolen” mandate, and ensure the release of party workers in custody.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had earlier informed the media that he and other party leaders had convinced PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, of the necessity of starting negotiations with the government, which Khan subsequently approved. However, it was stated that PTI would not engage in direct talks with the three government parties (PML-N, PPP, MQM).
PTI had announced giving Mahmood Khan Achakzai a mandate to negotiate with the ruling parties. After granting this mandate, Imran Khan repeatedly stated that Achakzai would talk to the military establishment, though the military establishment has not expressed a desire to engage in talks with Imran Khan or PTI.
A few weeks ago, the DG ISPR set the condition of a public apology for the May 9 attacks as a prerequisite for negotiations. The military spokesperson also emphasized that discussions should occur between political parties.
Unlike Imran Khan, Mahmood Khan Achakzai supports negotiations between political parties and opposes discussions with the establishment on political matters.
