ISLAMABAD; As PTI’s protest movement gains momentum nationwide, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), has reiterated his call for a national dialogue to resolve Pakistan’s deepening political crisis.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Achakzai urged all political stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions “for the sake of the country,” insisting that dialogue remains the only viable path forward. “Every political party must come to the table,” he said, adding that “acknowledging past mistakes and seeking forgiveness” is a necessary first step.
Responding to a question about PTI founder Imran Khan’s ongoing imprisonment, Achakzai questioned the authorities’ refusal to allow Khan’s sisters to meet him in Adiala Jail despite court orders. “What harm is there if they meet their brother?” he asked.
Khan has been imprisoned since his ouster through a no-confidence motion in April 2022 and faces multiple cases ranging from corruption to terrorism. His sisters have recently criticised jail authorities for denying visitation rights.
Achakzai called on PTI lawmakers to protest within the assemblies until Khan is allowed to meet his family, cautioning that “revenge politics must be avoided at all costs.”
His remarks came as PTI launched countrywide protests marking the second anniversary of Khan’s incarceration. Demonstrators rallied across various cities demanding the former prime minister’s immediate release.
According to PTI sources, at least 300 activists were arrested during overnight raids in Lahore, with AFP quoting PTI leader Zulfikar Bukhari as confirming the arrest of seven Punjab Assembly members.
However, police released them later in the day. Punjab Police confirmed the release of Deputy Opposition Leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi and MPs Farrukh Javed Moon, Khawaja Salahuddin, Shoaib Amir, Amanullah Khan, and Iqbal Khattak. Rehana Dar, detained outside Aiwan-e-Adal, was also freed, according to PTI’s media cell.
In a message posted to X (formerly Twitter), Khan urged supporters to continue peaceful protests “until real democracy is restored.”
Earlier this year, PTI Senator Shibli Faraz also urged the ruling PML-N-led coalition to go beyond lip service and initiate “genuine, serious” talks to ease political tensions.
His comments followed renewed government offers for dialogue. Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah reiterated the government’s openness to talks, noting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had invited the opposition to meet—offering even to convene in the Speaker’s chamber if necessary.
Sanaullah emphasised that democracy advances through dialogue, while Faraz responded that only genuine and direct talks—particularly with PTI’s top leadership—would be acceptable. “Dialogue must not be used as a facade for normalcy,” he stressed. “It must be sincere and clearly reflect the government’s seriousness.”
Shehbaz Sharif has publicly reiterated his willingness to engage PTI in dialogue, including outreach to Barrister Gohar during heightened tensions with India, signalling an attempt at bipartisan consensus.
