The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa parliamentary party of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed support for holding talks with the federal government to secure the withdrawal of governor's rule and the state of emergency in the province, sources said. The party's provincial parliamentary meeting, held online, was attended by more than 40 lawmakers, including Ali Amin Gandapur, while PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Noor-ul-Haq Qadri also participated.
Members were of the view that dialogue should pave the way for the withdrawal of these measures. The parliamentary party maintained that the PTI's mandate would be restored following the end of governor's rule and the emergency.
According to sources, some members proposed that Gandapur be included in the consultation process for negotiations, arguing that the participation of a parliamentary party member would allow matters to be taken forward through mutual consultation. Barrister Gohar informed the meeting that a majority of PTI lawmakers in the National Assembly also favoured talks.
Noor-ul-Haq Qadri stressed the need for patience and perseverance during difficult circumstances. PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai also threw his weight behind negotiations, calling on the federal government to ease tensions.
He described Gandapur as a loyal companion of PTI founder Imran Khan. Members of the parliamentary party also backed the decision not to call workers out for protests, noting that such actions could have led to incidents similar to those of May 9.
The leadership emphasized that maintaining order was a priority to prevent further political instability. Yousafzai distanced the PTI from any remarks made against state institutions.
The meeting did not specifically discuss the proposed electoral reforms committee or the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) offer to the opposition, as the matter is being handled at the federal parliamentary level. The consensus reached during the meeting reflects a strategic shift within the party's provincial wing.
By prioritizing dialogue, the PTI aims to navigate the current constitutional crisis while protecting its political base in the province. The lawmakers expressed hope that the federal government would respond positively to these overtures.
Political analysts suggest that this move could significantly alter the dynamics between the center and the province. The involvement of senior leadership like Barrister Gohar indicates that the decision has the backing of the party's central hierarchy.
Furthermore, the emphasis on avoiding street protests highlights a cautious approach to prevent legal repercussions. The party remains focused on legal and constitutional avenues to reclaim its political space.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on whether the federal government will reciprocate the gesture. The PTI's provincial leadership is expected to remain in constant contact with the central party office to coordinate the next steps.
In conclusion, the decision to pursue negotiations marks a pivotal moment for the PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The party's commitment to dialogue, while maintaining its core political stance, will be tested in the coming weeks as formal discussions are expected to commence.