Achakzai says opposition will hold no talks without consulting Imran Khan
Achakzai says opposition will hold no talks without consulting Imran Khan
ZHOB: The Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, said on Wednesday that no talks without Imran Khan being consulted could produce results, declaring he would not join formal negotiations until the opposition is allowed to meet the PTI founder.
Addressing a public gathering at Baz Muhammad Shaheed Ground in Balochistan’s Zhob, the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chairman said meaningful dialogue between the government and the opposition required direct consultation with all major political leaders, including Imran Khan.
“If one side in negotiations consults its leadership, the opposition must also be allowed to consult Imran Khan,” he said.
No talks without Imran Khan, says opposition leader
Achakzai said he had made his position clear: calling off or postponing the PTI’s protest march without Imran Khan’s input would discredit everyone involved, and he would not be part of any such move.
The remarks come as the PTI’s long march completes its fourth day in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the party demanding Imran Khan’s release and access to him. The government has urged the party to end its march and sit-ins before talks, while the PTI says only Imran Khan can call off the protest.
Call for national agenda and fresh ECP appointments
The PkMAP chairman urged political parties across the spectrum to agree on a common national agenda to tackle the country’s economic and political challenges, saying political forces must rise above partisan interests.
He also called for fresh appointments to the Election Commission of Pakistan, including the chief election commissioner, through the constitutional process as the incumbents’ terms expire.
Jirgas, Afghanistan and the Zhob gathering
Achakzai urged local communities to resolve disputes peacefully through traditional jirgas, saying dialogue and collective effort could preserve peace and harmony.
On regional affairs, he welcomed international diplomatic efforts concerning Afghanistan and said the international community had a responsibility to support lasting peace, stability and economic development in the region.
The rally marked the death anniversaries of the Shuhada-e-Jamhooriat of October 7, 1983, and the Shuhada-e-Watan of October 11, 1991. PkMAP central secretary Nawab Muhammad Ayaz Khan Jogezai and information secretary Talimand Khan also addressed the gathering, speaking on regional development and governance.
Related: PTI dismisses Shehbaz Sharif’s talks offer · Sanaullah to PTI long march: no demand accepted under pressure · Government kept ‘all doors of dialogue open’, says Danyal
Frequently asked questions
Who is Mahmood Khan Achakzai?
He is the chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and the Leader of the Opposition in Pakistan’s National Assembly.
What did Achakzai say about talks with the government?
He said no talks could succeed without consulting Imran Khan and that he would not join formal negotiations until such a consultation is allowed.
Why does the opposition want access to Imran Khan?
The PTI and its allies say only the party founder can decide on calling off the long march and on the opposition’s negotiating position.
