PTI Offers Talks to Federal Government as Long March Presses On; March to Pause at Swabi If Negotiations Begin
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has offered talks to the federal government while keeping its protest march on the road, party leaders said after a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar on Saturday. The PTI long march talks offer is the party’s first formal opening for dialogue since the march began. Sources said the leadership decided the march would pause at Swabi if meaningful negotiations materialise.
The meeting was chaired by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi. It was attended by Acting Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Provincial President Junaid Akbar Khan, Parliamentary Leader Shahid Khattak and Provincial Minister Shafi Jan. The participants reviewed the national political situation and the ongoing phased long march.
PTI long march talks decision at CM House
According to sources, the leadership examined the possibility of the federal government imposing Governor’s Rule or an emergency in the province and termed any such step unconstitutional. The meeting reaffirmed the party’s willingness to engage in talks with the government while the march continues.
Chief Minister Afridi made it clear that the party would not abandon its position on the security operation in the tribal districts without consulting incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan. He maintained that military or security operations alone are not the solution to terrorism in the tribal areas.
The decision comes after Shehbaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari discussed the possibility of an emergency in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with the cabinet expected to take up the matter on Sunday and parliament summoned for 13 October. Afridi has already rejected the possibility of Governor’s Rule in the province.
Gohar: demands constitutional, government not serious
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the party desires negotiations but sees little prospect of them at the moment. “The long march will continue, yet we remain ready for talks,” he stated. “The government does not appear serious about dialogue. We want the issues resolved through negotiations.”
Gohar warned that the imposition of Governor’s Rule or an emergency would constitute a violation of the public mandate. He added that the federal government appeared not to have fully assessed the possible public reaction to such a step. “Our demands are clear and contain nothing unconstitutional or illegal,” he said.
What happens next
Party workers are scheduled to reach Swabi on Sunday. The march has entered its second week, with workers heading toward Islamabad. Chief Minister Afridi is expected to announce the next phase of the plan of action on 13 October. Gohar urged the federal government to come to the negotiating table before that date.
The Express Tribune reported that sources confirmed the twin-track decision at Saturday’s meeting.
Frequently asked questions
What has the PTI offered the federal government?
The party has offered negotiations while continuing its long march. If meaningful talks materialise, the march will pause at Swabi.
Where will the march pause if talks begin?
At Swabi, according to sources who spoke after Saturday’s meeting in Peshawar.
When will the next phase of the march be announced?
Chief Minister Afridi is expected to announce the next phase of the plan of action on 13 October.
What did PTI say about Governor’s Rule or an emergency?
Party leaders termed any such step unconstitutional. Barrister Gohar said it would violate the public mandate.
