ISLAMABAD: The opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on Thursday threw cold water on the idea of immediate talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, despite the formal beginning of government-opposition dialogue aimed at pulling the country out of its political quagmire.
PTI’s defiant stance came just days after Rana Sanaullah, the adviser to the prime minister on political affairs, floated the idea of a meeting between opposition leaders and the prime minister, as the government and opposition launched their long-awaited talks last week.
Speaking at a press conference, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan made it clear that no decision has been made regarding any direct discussions with PM Sharif.
Khan’s comments followed a tense meeting with Sanaullah, during which discussions veered from the country’s political crisis to global security threats – ranging from the escalating Israel-US situation to Afghanistan’s border skirmishes.
“Our top priority is to make sure the government feels the pulse of the masses,” Khan said, adding that the opposition would continue pressing the government on pressing issues, especially amid the volatile global landscape.
He was quick to remind everyone of Pakistan’s nuclear status, stressing that national security must be handled with extreme care.
With his party’s future at stake, Khan emphasised that decisions regarding talks would be guided by Imran Khan, who has already empowered Mehmood Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas – leaders of the opposition in National Assembly and Senate, respectively – to proceed with negotiations with the government.
“Both leaders are currently engaged in talks with the government, and hopefully, we’ll have good news,” he added.
When asked about the chances of Khan’s release before Eid, Khan struck an optimistic tone, saying, “God willing, he will come out.”
Pressed on whether PTI would pursue reconciliation or resistance, Khan didn’t mince words, stating that both options are part of the political toolkit.
But he made it clear that whatever path is taken, Pakistan’s national security is non-negotiable in these tumultuous times.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026