Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the ruling party in Pakistan, has been facing a deadlock regarding the initiation of talks with opposition parties. Despite rumors of discussions between Murtaza Solangi, a prominent PTI member, and Shafqat Mahmood, a respected opposition figure, there has been no official decision from the government about engaging in dialogue.
Official sources have denied any formal decision regarding talks after Murtaza Solangi’s meeting with Shafqat Mahmood, asserting that there has been no such directive from the government. Moreover, there has been no indication from the military establishment about their interest in PTI engaging in dialogue with either the opposition parties or all political factions.
The aftermath of the events following May 9, where military authorities expressed their discontent concerning the recent attacks and assailants, has added complexity to the political scenario. When Information Minister Murtaza Solangi was contacted for comments, he expressed surprise over the exaggerated impression created about his meeting with Shafqat Mahmood. Solangi clarified that his association with Shafqat Mahmood is rooted in longstanding personal connections and that the meeting was not related to negotiations or dialogue. He reiterated that he did not represent the government in any formal capacity during the meeting.
Solangi expressed bewilderment over how the PTI’s meeting was blown out of proportion, especially when he had not even publicized the event, unlike other political leaders who often announce their interactions with counterparts. He disclosed that he has met with leaders from various political parties, including Shahbaz Sharif, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, MQM leaders, and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Siraj-ul-Haq. These meetings, however, were part of ordinary political discussions and did not entail any official dialogue.
Despite Prime Minister Imran Khan’s offer for talks, major opposition parties like the PML-N, PPP, and JUI-F have shown little interest in engaging with the PTI. While PTI has attempted to initiate dialogue with political parties and the military establishment, it has not translated into substantive discussions.
Efforts have been made to create a conducive political environment for the PTI, urging stakeholders to commence discussions freely. However, as of now, neither the opposition nor the ruling party has taken a definitive step toward formal dialogue, leaving the political landscape in a state of uncertainty.
